Boot for a binding

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a boot for a binding, which is suited for alpine skiing, ski touring, cross-country skiing, telemark skiing and also for other snow sliding sports, the boot having greater comfort in wearing and moving. Moreover multifunctional components make it possible for the overall equipment with which the snow sportsman is burdened to have low weight. The boot comprises an outer shell for holding the foot and a coupling part for fastening the boot in the binding, the boot being held in the boot tip region and in the heel region of the binding on the coupling part. The outer shell is movably connected to the coupling part, the connection of the outer shell to the coupling part being made such that in the state of the boot fastened in the binding the foot held in the outer shell together with the outer shell can be lifted in the heel region and lowered again in a walking motion. Furthermore the outer shell can be locked relative to the coupling part and there can be a climbing aid and a damping device for damping of the walking motion on the boot.

TECHNICAL DOMAIN

The invention relates to a boot for a binding, especially a ski boot, with an outer shell for accommodating and holding the foot and with a coupling part attached to the outer shell for fastening the boot in a binding so that the boot in the boot tip area and in the boot heel area can be held by the binding on the coupling part and the coupling part has a connection to the outer shell such that the outer shell can be lifted off the coupling part in the heel area in executing a walking motion and can be lowered again onto it, while the coupling part is fastened in the binding, and the outer shell can be pivoted around a geometrical axis transversely to the lengthwise direction of the boot.

PRIOR ART

Ski boots when skiing down are supposed to have high stiffness not only against lateral bending, but also against forward bending of the top part of the upper of the ski boot, and on the other hand during a natural walking motion without the skis or during a walking motion with skis, especially in the case of climbing in ski touring, to allow the skier freedom of motion as great as possible. When using ski boots as cross-country boots there is the requirement that they are to be pivotally joined to a ski in the front boot area, their having to have high torsional stability. Especially when using a skating technique is high stability against the shear forces between the ski and boot necessary, since the action of the force can be great in the push-off movement. Another application of ski boots is telemark boots. A telemark boot should on the one hand have high flexibility in the region of the ball of the foot in the boot and on the other hand a torsional stability should be ensured at the same time. In conventional telemark boots these requirements generally cause a special execution of the sole of the telemark boot, such as a thinning of the sole of the telemark boot in the region of the ball of the foot, such as for example in DE 10 2004 004 317 A1 (Rottefella AS).

In previous years, with ski boots produced mainly of leather, due to the relatively low stiffness of the boot leather only limited support of the foot/lower leg could be achieved. In this way, on the one hand part of the foot mobility required for a walking motion with skis was achieved by the flexibility of the ski boot itself, on the other hand touring bindings could be used which did not limit the flexibility of the upper and sole of the boot. Since the advent of plastic ski boots however touring skiers are no long prepared to abandon the much greater hold and thus improved ski guidance in skiing down. Therefore at present essentially only plastic ski touring boots with an essentially stiff boot sole and ski bindings suitable for these ski boots are available on the market. These touring ski boots however have the disadvantage that they make natural movements as occur in a natural walking motion or climbing when ski touring difficult or even impossible by the essentially stiff execution of the various boot components. Various attempts have been made to combine the entirely different requirements for walking and climbing and for skiing down in ski boots.

In order to enable a roughly normal walking motion, as is executed in walking on a base, for example ski boots have been proposed which have a basic boot with an outsole and an additional removable ski sole (for example DE 3 417 503 A1; Dolomite, S.p.A). To enhance the freedom of movement of the ski boot wearer when climbing in ski touring, various improvements for a ski boot have been suggested. In DE 3 427 612 A1 (Kastinger Sportschuh GmbH) for example a multi-shell touring ski boot is proposed in which the shell of the upper which is pivotally coupled in the ankle region relative to a foot part can be locked on the foot part in a fixed position for skiing down, conversely similar locking in EP 1 332 689 A1 (Calzaturifficio S.C.A.R.P.A., S.p.A.) allows fixing of the shell of the upper in various positions. DE 343 178 (Kastinger Sportschuh GmbH) conversely describes a ski boot with a shell of an upper which is separated into two side parts by a front and a rear opening. In this connection the openings can be closed or opened independently of one another with a single pull strap and thus enable adjustment of the freedom of motion of the skier corresponding to the different requirements. Likewise CH 593 031 A5 (Gertsch AG) for more comfortable natural walking suggests curvature of the tread of the ski boot. The latter boot can however only be kept on the ski by a specially shaped, interposed plate binding in a conventional ski binding.

These improvements each for themselves do enable the ski boot to be made more comfortable in different ways, but do not solve the basic problems of natural movements which are to be executed in a stiff boot. In particular in ski touring the problem of coordinated movement when climbing arises. While when skiing down the ski boot is to be rigidly joined to the ski to enable the skier to exercise good control over the ski, for climbing it is necessary that the foot of the skier can be pivoted relative to the ski. Normally so-called touring ski bindings are used. Touring ski bindings conventionally have at least two operating states, specifically a skiing down position and climbing position. In the skiing down position the ski boot is connected essentially rigidly to the ski. In the climbing position conversely the ski boot can be pivoted with respect to the ski around the horizontal transverse axis between the initial position and a host of pivoting positions. In this connection, in the initial position the heel area of the ski boot is near the top of the ski and in the pivoting positions is raised off the top of the ski. In the climbing position thus a pivoting motion adapted to the climbing motion between the ski boot and the ski is enabled.

Such a touring ski binding which also especially meets all safety requirements of modem safety ski bindings is described in WO 96/23559 (Fritschi). It has a boot carrier on which a toe piece provided with a front sole holder and a heel piece provided with a heel holder are located, the boot carrier in the area of the tip of the ski boot being able to pivot around a horizontal transverse axis with respect to the ski.

Since a climbing motion however is only enabled by a touring ski binding, the skier is forced to procure another pair of skis with a touring ski binding in addition to a possibly already existing pair of downhill skis on which a downhill binding is mounted. This causes a major cost burden for a skier who on the one hand pursues ski touring and on the other also skis on slopes. The attempt to provide a conventional ski binding with the properties of a touring ski binding by additional means is described in DE 2 064 754 (Heili). It describes a plate-shaped adjustment means which is used between the ski boot and a conventional downhill ski binding. In the sense of known plate bindings the adjustment means can be placed in the binding and then enables pivoting of the ski boot which is attached to the plate via an axle on the tip of the ski boot. In executing a natural walking motion without skis on a base the plate which is connected to the ski boot however prevents ergonomic movement, by which the aforementioned basic problems in natural movements remain. Moreover the pivoting capacity which is achieved by the peripheral arrangement of the pivoting axis on the tip of the ski boot is recognized not to be very comfortable for the skier since the pivot is unfavorably arranged in ergonomic terms. EP 0 015 862 A (Blanc) has similar disadvantages; it describes a ski boot in which the outer shell on its tip is pivotally coupled to the sole of the ski boot by a peripherally arranged pivoting axis. The sole of the ski boot can be held in a conventional ski binding and in its outer dimensions is made according to a conventional ski boot sole. The ski boot sole has a lengthwise slit in which an additional bridge-shaped carrier for the shell of the upper comes to rest when the heel area is lowered. Disadvantages similar to DE 2 064 754 (Heili) arise in the execution of a natural walking motion without skis and in a walking motion for climbing in ski touring.

The ski boot set proposed in CH 679 108 A5 (Weber) is more versatile and more comfortable for natural walking and climbing, but also complex to use. There a ski boot shell can be inserted into different boot soles which are made especially for the respective requirements. The versatility however arises only by using the entire set, i.e. in order to enjoy all the advantages of the set, the skier would have to carry different soles and different inner boots; this is undesirable in ski touring due to the additional weight.

Other attempts to provide a conventional alpine ski binding with the fumctionality of a touring ski binding are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,972 A1 (Roger Pack et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,665 A1 (Roger Pack). In both documents the heel shell of a ski boot can be pivoted relative to the toe shell via joints in the region of the ball of the foot such that for the state held in a binding the heel shell can be pivoted way from the ski, while the toe shell remains on the ski in the toe piece of the binding. In this connection a plate (U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,972 A1) or a fastening clip (U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,665 A1) is attached to the toe shell with which the ski boot is held on the heel side in the heel piece. In addition to a complicated and thus mechanically susceptible construction of the ski boot, both versions have the disadvantage that the joint of ball of the foot must be completely pivoted. On the one hand, this yields a pivoting region limited by the joint of the ball of the foot, and high loading of that joint when climbing; in longer ski touring this can lead to considerable pain and moreover to injuries such as blisters.

Furthermore, in addition to poor comfort of the known boots and bindings in ski touring, the problem of the relatively great weight of the touring ski equipment which the skier must carry along also arises. This touring ski equipment comprises for example ski boots, skis and touring ski bindings. While ski boots and skis are essentially identical to downhill ski gear, the touring ski binding differs from the downhill binding by additional mechanical elements which are dictated by the expanded function of the touring ski binding. The additional mechanical elements comprise in this connection for example a mechanism which enables pivoting of the binding relative to the ski, and a locking device which allows switching between the skiing-down position and the climbing position. Likewise there are redundant elements, the redundancy arising generally from the combination of different system components such as ski boots and the ski binding. For example, a modem ski boot has a rigid sole and a modem ski binding has a ski boot carrier, both of which form an inherently stable lengthwise connection between the toe piece and the heel piece of the binding.

One possibility for reducing the weight of the touring binding consists for example in an execution in special lightweight constructions and use of lighter materials which however are generally expensive. Another possibility for reducing weight is simplification of the construction of the mechanical elements. In particular, various functions can be combined onto a single functional element or redundant elements can be removed. By reducing the number of functional parts not only is the entire construction simplified, but in particular the weight of the entire device can be reduced. This multifunctional execution of a mechanical element of a touring ski binding is known for example from EP 0 724 899 A2 (Fritschi). There a locking lever is described which on the one hand enables locking of the touring ski binding in a skiing-down position and on the other as a pivoting support lever forms a climbing aid of the touring ski binding. Compared to the lightest touring ski bindings however even such a touring ski binding is heavy and causes an unnecessary weight burden on the skier.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to devise a boot for a binding which belongs to the initially named technical domain, which comprises a versatile and light alternative to existing boots for bindings, and which has high walking comfort.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. As claimed in the invention the boot for the binding, especially a ski boot, comprises an outer shell for accommodating and holding the foot and a coupling part attached to the outer shell. The coupling part is used for fastening the boot in a binding. In the state held in the binding, the boot in the boot tip region and in the boot heel area is held by the binding on the coupling part. The coupling part has a connection to the outer shell such that the outer shell can be lifted off the coupling part in the heel area in executing a walking motion and can be lowered again onto it, while the coupling part is fastened in the binding. In doing so the outer shell can be pivoted around a geometrical axis of rotation transversely to the lengthwise direction of the boot and the geometrical axis of rotation is arranged set back from the tip of the outer shell such that a front and a rear component space are defined by the lengthwise position of the geometrical axis of rotation in the interior for holding the foot in the outer shell, and when the heel area is raised off the coupling part in a rotation phase of the walking motion at least partial dipping of the front component region of the outer shell into the interior of the coupling part takes place.

If not otherwise indicated, a walking motion means a coordinated motion in which the heel area of a foot is lifted off a base and is lowered again onto it, as occurs for example when climbing in ski touring. A similar walking motion is also executed in other types of snow sliding sports, for example cross-country skiing or telemark skiing. A natural “walking motion” is conversely the coordinated motion of rolling off the foot over the balls of the feet and toes, as occurs when walking forward.

Boots which can be held in a binding are used especially in skiing or other snow sports. The invention is implemented below without limitation of generality using the example of ski boots, and the walking motion is explained based on climbing in ski touring, but the inventive idea can be easily applied to boots for other snow sports.

In contrast to conventional ski boots, the outer shell of a ski boot as claimed in the invention can be moved relative to the coupling part in a walking motion such that the outer shell and the foot held in the outer shell in the heel area can be raised off the coupling part and lowered again onto it. Since the ski boot is held by a ski binding only on the coupling part, thus walking motion can also be carried out when the ski boot is attached in a binding which does not have the climbing function of a touring binding such as for example a conventional downhill binding. Here the coupling part of the ski boot is connected to the ski by the ski binding attached to the ski and remains essentially at rest relative to the ski during execution of a walking motion. If the ski binding is a modern safety ski binding, the coupling part and thus the ski boot can be removed from the binding by a safety release under the action of a force which exceeds a given threshold value. This safety release is possible in any phase of the walking motion, since fixing of the coupling part in the binding is independent of the walking motion.

It is provided that the outer shell of a ski boot as claimed in the invention has mobility relative to the coupling part such that the foot held in the outer shell can be moved into a position in which the sole of the foot is pivoted by an angle of at least 90° relative to the position in which the outer shell has been lowered completely onto the coupling part. In particular, for safety reasons, mobility is advantageous which in the state of the ski boot fastened in the ski binding and the foot held in the outer shell allows the knee of the skier belonging to the foot can be lowered onto the surface of the ski.

The coupling part forms an integral component of the ski boot and is preferably made such that with the heel area of the outer shell lowered, the coupling part is joined to the outer shell so that the outer shell is held and integrated at least partially in the coupling part. The coupling part together with the bottom of the outer shell can form for example an essentially curved surface which is used for example as a tread. The ski boot can be ergonomically rolled off on a base when a natural walking motion is carried out, while the coupling part is present on the boot. The coupling part does not hinder a natural walking motion of the ski boot on a base and therefore need not be removed for improved comfort. Thus the outer shell can be connected to the coupling part such that release of the connection by the user is not provided. But on the other hand, the connection can also be made releasable in order for example for maintenance purposes to be able to separate the outer shell from the coupling part. In the execution of a natural walking motion the heel area of the outer shell remains preferably lowered onto the coupling part and the outer shell is at rest relative to the coupling part.

The coupling part has an interior which is made to at least partially hold the outer shell. Preferably the outer shell on the outside has slight depressions in which the coupling part is located with the heel area lowered, in one possible embodiment the coupling part can be made for example shell-shaped, the interior then being formed by the volume surrounded by the shell-shaped coupling part or in another embodiment such as for example a frame-shaped execution of the coupling part the interior can be formed by a cutout framed by the coupling part.

The interior of the coupling part can be open in several regions and has especially at least one opening through which the outer shell can be placed partially in the interior. The coupling part in contrast to the initially described known versions of ski boot soles which are pivotally coupled to an outer shell is an integral component of the ski boot and does not necessarily assume the function of a boot sole. The coupling part is used mainly to attach the boot in a binding, and the function of the boot sole or a possibly present tread can be performed by other parts of the boot. The coupling part of the ski boot extends in this connection from a front lengthwise end of the ski boot up to the rear lengthwise end, the lengthwise direction of the ski boot being defined by the direction from the toes to the heel of the foot in the ski boot. The outer shell of the ski boot itself does not have coupling elements molded on for bindings, i.e. without the movably attached coupling part the outer shell could not be inserted into the binding at all.

The coupling part is made rigid in this connection, its having especially high twisting and bending stiffness. Preferably the coupling part is made of plastic, and based on major stability requirements for example composite materials such as carbon-fiber or glass-fiber reinforced plastics can be used. But it is also conceivable that in addition to plastics also other materials such as for example metals are used. The coupling part is preferably made in one piece to ensure high stability, but with sufficient stability can also comprise several parts. The parts can then be produced from different materials and can be connected to one another by connecting techniques which likewise have relatively great stability. It is important in this connection that the coupling part forms a rigid continuous structure which can be inserted into a ski boot independently of the outer shell or its configuration, such that the coupling part is held in the binding.

The pivoting capacity of the outer shell relative to the coupling part is achieved preferably by a hinge via which the outer shell is connected to the coupling part. The axis of the hinge is located coaxially to the geometrical axis of rotation. The hinge is made for example as two supports which are arranged on the outer shell of the boot coaxially with the first geometrical axis of rotation to either side of the foot held in the outer shell and are pivotally connected to the coupling part. For the supports all suitably appearing embodiments of hinged connections are conceivable.

The walking motion for which the heel area of the coupling part is raised and is lowered again onto it can be divided into different phases. Especially the walking motion comprises a rotation phase in which the pivoting capacity of the outer shell necessary for the walking motion relative to the coupling part is achieved essentially by the rotation capacity of the outer shell around the geometrical axis of rotation. When the rotation phase is being executed essentially the entire outer shell is rotated around the geometrical axis relative to the coupling part. The walking motion can be composed of other phases in addition to a rotation phase or can consist only of a rotation phase. Preferably the initial raising of the heel area from the coupling part takes place in a pure rotation phase. But also other phase divisions of walking motion are conceivable. The outer shell need not be inherently rigid, i.e. different regions of the outer shell can be rotated different distances around the axis of rotation for example in one phase of the walking motion.

The geometrical axis of rotation of the rotary or pivoting motion is essentially parallel to the sole of the foot present in the outer shell and is preferably set back from the frontmost tip of the outer shell in the direction to the heel area of the outer shell. In particular, the axis of rotation can lie in the lengthwise region of the ski boot which corresponds to the lengthwise region in which the foot is located in the outer shell. The axis can then pass for example through the interior of the outer shell which is designed to hold the foot, i.e. the axis in the region of the foot located in the boot can pass through the outer shell. But it is also conceivable for the axis to be located above or underneath the interior of the outer shell. In particular the axis of rotation can be arranged such that it essentially coincides with the geometrical axis of rotation of the joint of the ball of the foot. Preferably the geometrical axis of rotation is above the bottom of the outer shell in the region of the ball of the foot.

Based on the construction of the boot as claimed in the invention, the location of the geometrical axis of rotation can be exactly matched to the specific requirements of the boot or type of sport. It is for example conceivable for the geometrical axis of rotation in a version as a touring ski boot to be set back farther from the front tip of the outer shell than in a version as a cross-country ski boot. For example this can result in the transfer of force from the cross-country skier to the ski being optimized in the cross country ski boot, while for the touring ski boot high comfort is achieved during the walking motion. In particular within the framework of the invention the location of the axis of rotation can be freely selected without having to accept adverse effects in comfort in the execution of the walking motion.

As a result of the arrangement of the geometrical axis of rotation set back from the tip, its location in the lengthwise direction defines two component spaces of the interior of the outer shell which is intended for holding the foot. The plane in which the axis of rotation is located and which is essentially vertical on the bottom of the outer shell defines a front and a rear component space of the interior of the outer shell. The front component space is located in the forward region, while the rear component space is located in the rear region of the outer shell. The rear component space extends into the heel area of the outer shell. In particular the forward component space can be located for example partially or entirely in the toe shell and the real component space can be located partially or entirely in the heel shell of the outer shell, the toe shell then forming the front region and the heel shell forming the rear region of the outer shell. Basically the division of the interior into a front component space and a rear component space is however determined by the location of the geometrical axis of rotation and not by the division of the outer shell into for example a toe and heel shell.

In a ski boot as claimed in the invention, when a walking motion is being performed, in the rotation phase when the heel area of the outer shell is being lifted off the coupling part at least partial dipping of the front component space and thus of the front region of the outer shell into the coupling part occurs. Dipping here means the vertical lowering of the front component space toward the bottom of the boot (and thus at least partially into the coupling part or into the free space of the coupling part). Not each region of the front component space is brought nearer the bottom of the boot in all embodiments during dipping. But it is central to dipping that at least those regions of the front component space dip or are lowered which with the heel area of the outer shell lowered completely onto the coupling part lie with the axis of rotation at the same height over the bottom of the ski boot. Instead of the height over the bottom of the ski boot, the height over the surface of a ski which is provided with a binding in which the boot is held can also be used as a reference for the height. When the heel area is lifted the regions of the front component space which lie at the same height with the axis of rotation are pivoted toward the bottom or toward the ski surface. Thus the regions are moved to a height over the bottom of the boot or the surface of the ski which is less than the height of the axis of rotation. I.e., the regions are nearer the boot bottom after or during dipping than the geometrical axis of rotation which is stationary with respect to the boot or ski.

The front component space or the front region of the outer shell is rotated in the rotation phase of the walking motion in the same direction of rotation as the rear component space or the heel area of the outer shell around the axis of rotation. In this connection the front component space and the front region of the outer shell before dipping need not be above the coupling part, but can also be located tentatively at least partially or entirely in the interior of the coupling part. Preferably the component space or the front outer shell region is however partially located above the coupling part. If the front component space is only partially located in the interior of the coupling space with the heel area lowered, when dipped into the coupling part, i.e. when the heel area is raised it is preferably lowered into the coupling part such that a larger portion of the front component space is located in the interior of the coupling part than when the heel area of the outer shell is lowered onto the coupling part.

The coupling part is shaped such that rotary motion of the front area of the outer shell in the rotation phase can take place essentially freely. In particular this is associated with the configuration of the free space in the coupling part which enables dipping of the forward region of the outer shell. The free space is formed for example by the interior of the coupling part which with a corresponding configuration makes room for the volume traversed by the dipping toe area in the intended pivoting region. The interior can be made in the most varied manner. For example, due to the rotational nature of the dipping of the front region of the outer shell an execution of the front section of the inner wall of the interior is conceivable, which front section lies near the front region of the outer shell, which execution is concavely essentially circular in a lengthwise cross section. Also other configurations of the front interior section are conceivable, and then the front outer shell region when a walking motion is being performed, i.e. when dipping in the intended pivoting region, can be essentially freely rotated around the axis of rotation. But it can also be provided in this connection that the rotary motion of the front region of the outer shell be prevented by additional measures on the coupling part and/or on the outer shell, for example gradually made more difficult by friction surfaces or stopped by stops and counterstops in order to counteract the dipping motion of the front area.

The outer shell of the ski boot can be made in one or more parts, and in the case of several shell parts they can also be made from different materials or the individual shell parts themselves can have different materials. Preferably the parts of the outer shell are made from plastic. The shell parts can be connected differently to one another, such as for example by cast elastic materials or those bonded to the shell parts, elastic bellows or by hinged connections. Furthermore the outer shell can hold a cushioned inner boot, as is known from conventional ski boots. In this connection, the inner boot can be removably present in the outer shell and for example can have a cushioned collar which projects on the entry opening of the outer shell through which the foot can be placed in the outer shell. It goes without saying that the inner boot can be likewise made in several parts and from different materials. The outer shell and the inner boot have an interior which is designed for accommodating the foot of the skier. The skier's foot is then held by the outer shell in the state prevailing in the interior (or in the cushioning of the inner boot) which surrounds the foot essentially completely. The outer shell can also have cutouts for weight reduction or for other purposes. The outer shell can also have a rigid sole which is however preferably made flexible.

Thus, overall the load which must be moved for example by the touring skier can be greatly reduced. Only a few additional parts on the ski boot are necessary to achieve the expanded functionality of the ski boot as claimed in the invention. The weight of a ski boot as claimed in the invention is therefore not very different from the weight of a conventional ski boot. The possibility of using available downhill ski gear also in ski touring moreover eliminates the high purchase costs of additional touring ski gear for the ski boot as claimed in the invention. Thus an economical alternative to conventional ski touring gear is established.

The ski boot as claimed in the invention thus enables coordinated movement which corresponds to the walking motion in ski touring without a touring ski binding being used. In this connection, when executing a walking motion high comfort is ensured and especially the joints of the ball of the skier's foot are saved, since the walking motion can be performed at least in phases without bending the joints of the ball of the foot, especially with an essentially stretched joint of the ball of the foot. The same advantages accrue in embodiments of a ski boot as claimed in the invention as in a cross-country ski boot or telemark ski boot in which related coordinated movements occur.

Based on the execution of the ski boot as claimed in the invention, the required stability of a cross-country ski boot can be achieved regardless of the pivoting capacity of the boot or a part of it. A ski boot as claimed in the invention is therefore also suited in a correspondingly light execution for use in cross-country skiing. In this connection, the coupling part can be made much lighter and less stable than in an alpine ski boot, since the loads are much less than in a alpine ski run. Likewise, in the case of a cross-country ski boot the outer shell can be made smaller, for example only reaching the ankle bone, and can be made elastic, and a locking device or a damping device (see below) are moreover superfluous. Furthermore, in contrast to conventional cross-country ski boots and bindings a ski boot as claimed in the invention enables displacement of the axis of rotation into the ball region of the foot; this also allows more ergonomic coordinated movement in cross-country skiing. Dipping of the tip region of the outer shell when executing a cross-country ski movement enables novel comfort. In addition to increased comfort, other advantages can also arise: It is for example conceivable that by a corresponding configuration of the stops and counterstops on the outer shell and the coupling part, an optimum “point of force application” can be set during a cross-country ski movement in which the swivelling motion enables maximum force transmission from the foot to the ski.

Likewise a ski boot as claimed in the invention can also be used as a telemark boot. By the connection of the outer shell to the coupling part as claimed in the invention, a good swivelling capacity and a high torsional stability are achieved without further imposing demands on the ski boot sole. In one possible embodiment as a telemark boot, a ski boot as claimed in the invention can be additionally provided with a reset device such as for example a reset spring or an elastic band, the reset device pulling or pressing the heel area of the outer shell onto the coupling part. In conventional telemark boots the raising of the boot heel is achieved by deformation in the region of the ball of the foot, the toe area remaining essentially attached to the ski. For the skier this results among others in high loads on the joint of the ball of the foot and possible pressure points on the foot, especially on the balls of the feet and on the transition from the instep to the toes. With the ski boot as claimed in the invention, dipping of toe region however results in that the raising of the heel is achieved at least partially by rotation of the entire outer shell around the axis of rotation without the necessity of bending the foot in the region of the ball of the foot, and the axis of rotation can lie in the region of the ball of the foot.

The same embodiment of the boot as claimed in the invention can be used as a touring ski boot, downhill ski boot, cross-country ski boot and as a telemark boot. Other applications comprise for example its use as a boot for ski jumping, snowboarding and “back country” skiing (“back country” designates a hybrid sport between cross-country skiing and telemark skiing). In all these applications on the one hand comfort is high in executing a walking motion or the corresponding motions and on the other hand the comfort is high in natural walking without a ski due to the integration of the coupling part into the ski boot.

In one preferred embodiment of a boot as claimed in the invention, the connection of the outer shell to the coupling part is made such that in the bending phase of the walking motion the outer shell is deformed in at least one elastic region. In particular then the heel area of the outer shell can be raised both by rotary motion around the geometrical axis off the coupling part or lowered onto it and also by deformation of at least one elastic region of the outer shell. The walking motion is then preferably divided into two phases: In the first phase of walking motion, the rotation phase, the outer shell can be rotated in a certain angular range around the geometrical axis of rotation. In the rotation phase of the walking motion, raising of the heel area is achieved by preferably the entire outer shell being rotated around the axis of rotation, the front region of the outer shell dipping into the coupling part or into its interior.

The angular region of the rotary motion around the axis of rotation can be limited for example by stops which are made on the outer shell and which strike the corresponding counterstops in the interior of the coupling part. The stops can be made elastic in order to make the transition of the rotation phase into a subsequent phase smooth. Limitation of the rotation phase however can also be achieved differently, by for example one region of the outer shell sliding on a ramp-like surface on the inside of the interior on the coupling part.

A second phase of walking motion following the first phase is then formed preferably by a bending phase. In this connection for example the front region of the outer shell relative to the coupling part remains at rest, while the rear region of the outer shell continues to move. This can be achieved for example by different, stiffly made regions of the outer shell which are elastically connected to one another. Preferably the outer shell in the region of the hinge or geometrical axis of rotation has at least one elastic section in which the outer shell can be elastically deformed. The region is thus made preferably on the top of the outer shell in the region above the geometrical axis of rotation. The outer shell in this connection preferably has a toe shell which surrounds the toes and an instep shell which spans especially the instep and which are interconnected by an elastic region on the transition from the instep to the toes. The instep shell can be made such that it spans not only the instep, but surrounds the foot in whole or in part in a tubular manner in the middle foot region, i.e. in the region of the instep from the shin attachment to the toe attachment. The instep shell and the toe shell can each comprise one or more shell parts.

The size of the elastic area should be selected such that flexibility of the outer shell is ensured which enables at least substantial bending of the foot in the region of the ball of the foot. For improved stability and for better definition of the bending motion the toe shell and the instep shell can be coupled to one another with a capacity to pivot. In this connection the geometrical pivoting axis of the joint between the toe shell and the instep shell can coincide with the first geometrical axis of rotation. This can be achieved for example by the hinges which join the outer shell to the coupling part being made on the toe shell and at the same time the instep shell being coupled to these hinges. The elastic region extends above the foot at least from one of the hinges to the other hinge. A corresponding elastic region must then be made on the side of the outer shell opposite the axis of rotation; the outer shell can be stretched on this region. But it is also conceivable for the instep shell to be pivotally joined to the toe shell with respect to the pivoting axis which does not coincide with the first axis of rotation. In this connection the elastic region should be made on the outer shell such that pivoting of the instep shell relative to the toe shell around the geometrical pivoting axis is enabled.

When the heel area of the outer shell is lifted off the coupling part, then for example the instep shell can be moved at the same time, while the toe shell which is elastically connected to the instep shell remains at rest relative to the coupling part. The toe shell has for example stops which in the first phase limit the angular range of rotary motion by striking the counterstops of the coupling part and thus initiate transition of the rotation phase (first phase) into the bending phase (second phase) of the walking motion. In this connection however there need not be limiting means on the ski boot, but the transition of the first phase to the second phase can also be caused by altered action of the force of the foot during the walking motion. The presence of an elastic region makes it possible for the outer shell to be deformed out of a neutral position into a bent position, bent, compressed, and/or stretched. During lifting of the heel region the elastic region is then compressed and/or bent. In this connection the elastic region however can also be made such that it is also stretched at the same time. In this way, the foot in the outer shell can likewise be bent. This bending phase also occurs when a natural walking motion is executed, when the shell area of the foot, after it has been lifted off the base, is further raised and the instep of the foot sags. Thus the mobility of the ski boot can be matched to the respective requirements by a corresponding configuration of the elastic region on the ski boot.

When the heel area is lowered again onto the coupling part, the elastic region is then bent back and/or stretched or compressed again. When the elastic region has again reached the neutral position, the lowering motion passes into a rotation phase and thus enables complete lowering of the heel area of the outer shell onto the coupling part.

It goes without saying that in the entire walking motion also superposition of two modes of motion, rotary motion and bending motion, can occur. The two modes of motion therefore need not be strictly divisible into two successive phases, but can also occur at the same time. It is thus also conceivable for the walking motion to comprise not only two phases, but to be composed of a plurality of phases which have different portions of rotation and bending phases and motions. Furthermore there can also be more than one elastic region on the outer shell, by which the outer shell can be deformed in different regions. Elastic regions can be formed above, below or laterally from a foot in the ski boot. In the presence of several elastic regions then it is also conceivable for one region to be compressed, while another is for example stretched and the two can also be bent at the same time. Thus optimum matching of the bending capacity of the outer shell to the foot of the skier is achieved.

The elastic regions of the outer shell can consist of elastic materials or bellows which are cast for example with different shell parts of the outer shell. In this connection the elastic regions can be made nonuniform such that they have for example a gradient in elasticity. This results in that in various phases of a bending motion different regions of the elastic areas are deformed. For example, deformation of a region with low elasticity can only begin when another region of high elasticity has already completely deformed. If the regions of different elasticity are located in different areas of the ski boot, the result can be that for example depending on the position of the outer shell during a walking motion another region of the ski boot is deformed. Furthermore it is also conceivable that the elastic connection of the different outer shell regions is achieved by springs and/or hinges which are attached to the outer shell in a corresponding arrangement and connect different shell parts of the outer shell to one another.

As an alternative, a connection of the outer shell to the coupling part is conceivable which allows only one rotary motion around one axis of rotation, for example there being only hinges without the outer shell being bendable and the walking motion being achieved with a pure rotation motion. Then for example there are preferably no stops which limit the walking motion to an angular range, and the entire walking motion corresponds to a rotation phase with a pure rotary motion around the geometrical axis of rotation. The coupling part need then be made such that the forward toe region which dips freely into the coupling part can be pivoted over the entire rotary range.

In order to make the walking motion more ergonomic, another embodiment of the boot as claimed in the invention has a connection of the outer shell to the coupling part which is made such that in addition to rotary motion around the first geometrical axis of rotation, there is further rotary motion around the second geometrical axis of rotation, the second geometrical axis of rotation being different from the first geometrical axis of rotation. The second geometrical axis of rotation is parallel to the first geometrical axis of rotation, but spaced apart from it. Preferably the second geometrical axis of rotation is nearer the tip of the ski boot than the first geometrical axis of rotation.

The second geometrical axis of rotation enables another phase of walking motion which largely corresponds to the rotation phase with the difference that in the further phase the coupling part does not necessarily dip into the coupling part [sic]. Whether in the further phase likewise dipping of the forward region of the outer shell or of the front component space of the interior of the outer shell takes place depends on the spacing of the two geometrical axes of rotation. There is preferably rotary motion around the second geometrical axis of rotation preferably as the third phase of the walking motion which follows the first and second phase.

After the elastic region of the outer shell has been deformed in the second phase, such that further compression or bending is no longer possible, the bending motion of the second phase passes into rotary motion of the third phase. In this connection it must be watched that the third phase can also be initiated when the elastic region is not yet completely deformed. Preferably in the third phase of walking motion, in addition a stretching motion is carried out which moves the outer shell from the bent end position of the second phase into a neutral extended position. In this connection the foot in the outer shell in the third phase on the one hand is turned around the second axis of rotation and on the other hand stretched at the same time. This coordinated motion corresponds to the end phase of rolling of the foot in a natural walking motion in which the foot is detached from the base rolling over the toes and in doing so is stretched in the region of the ball of the foot. Preferably the second axis of rotation lies in the toe region in order to allow a rotary motion which corresponds to rotation around the toe joints.

In this connection it is also conceivable for the three phases not to occur in the above described sequence, but for example for the second phase (bending phase) to occur first, for example. It is likewise also conceivable for all three phases to occur superimposed and the overall walking motion not to arise from a clearly separable sequence, but by coexistence of the three phases. Furthermore the walking motion can also comprise more than three phases, the different phases being characterized by different portions of rotational motion around the first axis of rotation, rotational motion around the second axis of rotation, and bending motion.

Alternatively the entire walking motion can also be performed by pure bending or pure rotary motion around only one geometrical axis of rotation or by a combination of the two. A version of the connection is also conceivable in which the walking motion is achieved only by rotational movements around two different geometrical axes of rotation and no bending motion occurs.

In another embodiment of the boot as claimed in the invention, the coupling part of the boot is made frame-shaped and surrounds the outer shell in the manner of a frame or ring. The coupling part extends from the rear lengthwise end of the boot to the front lengthwise end and on the front and on the rear lengthwise end each has a coupling means such as for example a projection, on which it can be held by a binding. On the coupling part in this embodiment there is a vertical cutout which extends perpendicular to the lengthwise direction through the coupling part and which is surrounded by the coupling part in the manner of a frame. The cutout forms the interior of the coupling part. The cutout forms two openings on the coupling part which are essentially parallel to the surface to which the binding is attached. In this connection the lower opening is nearer to the surface than the upper opening. The openings need not correspond to the entire cross section of the cutout. In particular the lower opening can be smaller than the cross section of the cutout. The outer shell of boot is located in the cutout of the coupling part such that the coupling part surrounds the outer shell in the manner of a frame. In this connection the outer shell passes through the cutout and projects partially out of it with the heel region lowered on the two openings of the cutout. The bottom of the outer shell can pass partially through the lower opening while the top of the outer shell passes essentially completely through the upper opening. The coupling part surrounds the outer shell on both sides of the foot when the heel region is lowered onto the coupling part on the outside. The interior formed by the cutout can therefore partially hold the outer shell and enables especially also dipping of the front toe area of the outer shell into the coupling part, i.e. into the interior of the coupling part when the heel area is raised off the coupling part. The cutout can be dimensioned such that with the heel area lowered the region of the outer shell present in the cutout essentially fills the cutout or the interior. With the heel region of the outer shell raised then for example only the front section of the outer shell can be surrounded by the frame-shaped coupling part or can be located in the interior.

In another embodiment the coupling part is made oblong and shell-shaped as a shell of the sole which has an essentially continuous bottom. The shell of the sole extends from the rear lengthwise end of the boot to the front lengthwise end and on each of its lengthwise ends has a coupling means on which it can be held by a binding. The bottom of the shell of the sole is facing the surface which is provided with the binding. The shell of the sole surrounds a cavity which forms the interior and which has an opening opposite the bottom. The shell of the sole in areas can also have cutouts for reducing the weight and for example for carrying off snow which collects in the shell of the sole. The outer shell is at least partially located in the interior of the shell of the sole. In this connection the outer shell passes through the opening of the interior beyond the shell of the sole, with the heel region lowered the opening of the interior being arranged essentially parallel to the sole of the foot located in the outer shell.

While a walking motion is necessary for example for climbing in ski touring or for cross-country skiing, for an alpine ski run quite different requirements apply to the boot. In the skiing-down position the boot is designed to establish for example a connection as rigid as possible to the ski, so that the skier has good control of the ski. Therefore in another embodiment of a boot as claimed in the invention there is a locking device which enables locking of the outer shell relative to the coupling part. In particular locking in the skiing-down position is possible in which the heel region of the outer shell is lowered completely onto the coupling part and is securely connected to it. To execute a natural walking motion, i.e. walking without a boot attached in a binding, the boot can likewise be locked in the walking position, the coupling part in the walking position being securely connected to the outer shell and the outer shell in the walking position being lowered completely onto the coupling part. In this connection the walking position is preferably identical to the skiing-down position. By fixing the coupling part on the outer shell during walking without the ski a walking motion can be carried out in which the boot is rolled off on a base.

Locking of the outer shell in other positions can also be possible, the other positions of the boot being characterized by different distances which the heel area of the outer shell has from the coupling part. Locking can be achieved by a quarter-turn rotary closure which is present in the heel region or in the ankle region of the boot on the coupling part. The rotary closure then engages a corresponding counterpart or several corresponding counterparts which are made at different distances from the heel area of the outer shell on the latter.

The locking device for locking in the skiing-down position however can also be attained for example by a detachable, belt-shaped device such as for example a velcro strip or a strip provided with a buckle, which in the instep region surrounds the outer shell and in the ankle region of the boot is fastened by one end to the coupling part and is detachably fastened with the other end for example by a buckle, such as is known for example of conventional ski boots. In the state of the strip-shaped device attached to the coupling part then the outer shell is locked on the coupling part, for example in the lowered position.

Preferably the locking device is formed by a pivoting lever which is coupled to the coupling part for example via an axial body. The pivotable lever on the boot side can have a coupling means such as for example a projection which can lock in the corresponding counterparts on the outer shell, such as for example recesses. The recesses are made at different intervals from the sole region of the outer shell and thus, depending on in which of the recesses the projection is coupled, enable locking of the outer shell at different intervals of the heel region from the coupling part. It goes without saying that the projection can also be made on the outer shell and the recesses can be present on the locking lever.

Alternatively the boot may not have a locking device. If a boot as claimed in the invention is made as a cross-country ski boot, the locking device moreover becomes superfluous and would only cause additional weight loading of the cross-country skier. Furthermore it is also possible for exclusive locking in the skiing-down position to be possible in the boot as claimed in the invention, if for additional weight savings the formation of the parts necessary for other locking positions on the boot are to be abandoned. Furthermore the locking mechanism can also be present for example on one side of the boot or in the ankle region on the coupling part. Alternatively the locking mechanism can also be formed on the outer shell, the coupling part then having the corresponding counterparts which the locking mechanism can engage.

In another possible embodiment of a boot as claimed in the invention, there is a damping device on the boot. The damping device in at least one of the locking positions of the locking lever enables elastically damped pivoting of the heel area of the outer shell relative to the coupling part. The damping device is made such that in the damped or spring-loaded locking position pivoting of the heel area of the outer shell around the damped locking position is possible. The damping device can however also be present for more than one locking position or for all locking positions. In particular there is damping in the skiing-down or walking position in which the heel area of the outer shell is lowered completely onto the coupling part. Preferably the damping device can be turned on or off alternately by a device. Furthermore the damping device can be made such that the strength of damping or the spring action is adjustable and for example can be adapted to the weight of the wearer of the boot.

In one embodiment of the boot in which the locking device is made on the coupling part, a version of the damping device is possible by partially making the counterparts of the locking device on the outer shell from an elastic material. For forces which act between the outer shell and the coupling part the forces can then be absorbed in the elastic material of the counterparts. For example, the above described recesses can be lined by an elastic material. In another embodiment the damping device however can also be formed on the coupling part. For example, the attachment of the locking mechanism to the boot can be made elastic or can be elastically supported so that forces acting on the outer shell are transmitted via the locking lever to the damping device. It is for example conceivable that in the embodiment in which the locking mechanism as the pivoting lever is coupled to the coupling part, the coupling part in a cavity has a spring which is coupled to the axial body of the support of the locking lever such that the axle body can be moved elastically guided in a small region in the direction of the lifting motion of the outer shell. The spring can be connected for example via an opening in the cavity to an adjustment device which enables setting of the pretensioning of the spring. Since the locking lever in the locking position is coupled via the corresponding counterparts to the outer shell, the forces which occur between the outer shell and the coupling part can be effectively damped by the spring.

It is likewise conceivable for the damping device to be present on the locking device itself. For example, parts of the locking device can be made elastic such that it allows damping of the forces acting between the outer shell and the coupling part. In the case of a pivotable locking lever it is for example conceivable that the lever has a cavity in the lengthwise direction in which the spring is present, the spring being coupled to the axle body of the articulated support.

Alternatively the boot can have a locking mechanism without damping. In the locking positions then the outer shell is rigidly coupled to the coupling part and the forces which occur between the outer shell and the coupling part are transmitted directly and undiminished.

In another embodiment of a boot as claimed in the invention, the boot has a support lever which can be pivoted into the path of motion of the unlocked outer shell. The support lever has at least one support for the outer shell. The support which can be made as a support surface supports the outer shell and thus forms a climbing aid by its limiting the lowering motion of the heel area of the outer shell in the direction of the coupling part. Preferably the region of the outer shell which is supported by the support surface is made as a catch surface in the heel region of the outer shell. Likewise the support lever is preferably made in the heel region of the boot and is pivotally coupled to the boot via the bearing axis. In one preferred embodiment the support lever is supported on the coupling part. Preferably the support lever can be locked in this pivoting-in position and can be moved again out of the pivoting-in position only by a certain given expenditure of force. During lowering of the outer shell in the direction of the coupling part, the lowering motion of the outer shell is limited by the catch surface's striking the support surface. In this connection the support lever, for example also in the ankle region of the ski boot, can be coupled to the coupling part, the catch surface then being formed on the outer shell such that, with the support lever pivoted in, the support surface lies in its path of motion.

Alternatively the support lever can also be coupled to the outer shell. In this case the catch surface is formed on the coupling part in the corresponding area. But boots as claimed in the invention are also conceivable which do not have support levers made as a climbing aid and the heel region of the outer shell is always completely lowered onto the coupling part when a walking motion is being executed.

In another embodiment the support lever can also have two or more support surfaces for the outer shell which each form a climbing aid. The support surfaces are made at different distances from the support axis of the support lever such that there is another support surface in the path of motion of a catch surface made on the outer shell in the corresponding pivoting positions of the support lever. Preferably the support lever can be locked in the swivelling position which corresponds to the respective climbing aid.

In one embodiment of a boot as claimed in the invention with a locking device, the support surfaces which form the climbing aids can be made on the locking device. Preferably the locking device is made as a pivoting locking lever which at the same time performs the function of the support lever. In this connection the pivoting locking lever can preferably also be locked in the pivoting position which corresponds to the respective climbing aid.

In one preferred embodiment the support surfaces similarly to the climbing aid described in EP 0 724 899 B1 (Fritschi) are made staggered on the locking lever such that in different pivoting-in positions, the other support surface at the time lies in the path of motion of the catch surface. Likewise the support surfaces which form the climbing aids however can also be made on several support levers, by the respective pivoting-in of the corresponding support lever another support surface being moved into the path of motion of the catch surface (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,320; Ramer). But other versions are also conceivable in which the support lever is made as a clip. In the climbing aid described in AT 371 735 (Tyrolia), the climbing aid is made for example as a telescoping clip. In this version different support surfaces are reached in the same pivoting-in position of the support lever. Different distances of the support surfaces from a ski surface are achieved by pulling the telescoping clip apart. In a version of a support lever as a clip, the clip can likewise be used as a locking device by for example a notch being formed on the outer shell, into which the clip can be hung and thus the outer shell is locked relative to the coupling part.

Alternatively the support lever with the support surfaces can also be present as an additional part on the boot as claimed in the invention with the locking device. For example the locking lever can then be present for example in the ankle area, while the support lever is formed in the heel area.

In another embodiment, a boot as claimed in the invention has an outer shell which comprises the shell of the upper and a foot shell. In this connection the foot held in the outer shell is located essentially in the foot shell and the shell of the upper surrounds essentially part of the calf. The shell of the upper is coupled to the foot shell in the ankle region and can thus be pivoted relative to the foot shell. The joint is preferably located on the outer shell such that the joint axis approximately agrees with the axis of rotation of the ankle joint of the foot located in the outer shell. This results in that the wearer of the boot can change the angle which is included by the foot with the pertinent calf. Greater mobility of the calf relative to the foot allows for example more ergonomic movement in a walking motion when climbing in ski touring. In the execution of a natural walking motion away from ski slopes this increased freedom of motion is desirable.

In addition, in another embodiment of a boot as claimed in the invention which has an outer shell which comprises the foot shell and the shell of the upper coupled to it, there can be a fixing device on the boot. The fixing device enables fixing of the shell of the upper relative to the foot shell. This results in that for example for the ski boot as claimed in the invention when skiing down, the freedom of motion of the skier's foot is limited and the foot or the leg of the skier is connected more rigidly to the ski. In this way improved controllability of the ski is achieved. Likewise an advantageous posture of the skier can be supported by a fixed shell of the upper. The fixing device can be for example made in the heel region or in the ankle region of the boot. Various devices for locking the shell parts of boots as are relatively well known of conventional ski or hiking boots are also suitable as fixing devices.

In one alternative, for a boot the shell of the upper is rigidly connected to the foot shell. Furthermore a version of a boot is also conceivable which has a pivoting shaft of the upper as part of the outer shell, but cannot be fixed relative to the foot shell. Thus the mobility of the leg relative to the foot is maintained; this can be desirable for example in a possible version of the boot as claimed in the invention as a telemark or cross-country ski boot and a snowboard boot.

In one possible version of a boot as claimed in the invention with a locking device and an outer shell which encompasses the foot shell and the shell of the upper, the fixing device is integrated into the locking lever. Thus the weight of the boot is reduced since the fixing means is not made as an additional part on the boot, but is formed by an already existing part. The fixing device can be configured on the locking lever for example such that the lever in a first locking position in the skiing-down or walking position of the boot with a first coupling means on the one hand is rigidly coupled to the upper of the outer shell and on the other with a second coupling means rigidly to the foot shell. In this way the shell of the upper in the skiing-down position is fixed relative to the foot shell. By pivoting the lever, at this point the coupling of the first coupling means to the shell of the upper can be released, the coupling of the second coupling means to the foot shell being preserved. Thus the boot continues to be in the skiing-down position. The shell of the upper is however decoupled relative to the foot shell and thus can be pivoted around the hinge. If the locking lever now continues to be pivoted and thus the connection of the locking lever to the foot shell is released via the second coupling means, the boot is in the unlocked position in which walking motion is possible. In this embodiment the shell of the upper can also be pivoted relative to the foot shell and is not fixed.

As an alternative, the fixing device is made as a separate component of the boot. It is for example conceivable for the fixing device to be made as an additional lever on the boot. This results for example in that the shell of the upper can be fixed independently of the locking of the outer shell relative to the coupling part on the foot shell.

In another embodiment of a boot as claimed in the invention, the boot has a tread, the tread comprising sections of varied arch which adjoin one another smoothly or at an angle or pass into one another. The arched execution of the tread of a ski boot as claimed in the invention when walking without skis can yield a more ergonomic walking motion than in a conventional ski boot which has a rigid flat sole. In the walking motion the boot is first placed on a base with the heel and then rolled from the heel to the tips of the toes. In a conventional ski boot with a flat sole essentially only two tilting movements are possible: On the one hand tilting over one edge on the heel-side end of the sole, and on the other tilting over one edge on the end of the sole on the side of the tip of the ski boot. In this connection an ergonomic rolling motion is not possible. An arched configuration of the boot sole as is the case in this version of a boot as claimed in the invention however enables continuous rolling of the boot on the base. Further improved matching of the tread to a natural walking motion can be achieved by different curvatures in various regions of the boot sole. The sections with different curvatures can be either smooth or can pass canted into one another at a certain angle. Furthermore the sections may also not pass directly into one another, but meet one another as separate tread sections, and the sections can be spaced apart from one another for example by a groove. This is for example the case when two adjacent sections are made on two different parts of the boot and still form an essentially continuous tread.

The boot as claimed in the invention preferably has convexly arched tread sections in the front end region and in the back end region of the tread. In one possible embodiment of a boot as claimed in the invention with a tread, the tread can have sections which are made on the outer shell, and sections which are made on the coupling part. Preferably the end-side convex sections are formed on the coupling part. Since the coupling part extends from the front end to the back end of the ski boot, this execution is preferred so that the above described tilting movements in natural walking with a conventional ski boot do not occur and the boot can be rolled ergonomically. Furthermore the result is that none of the parts of the boot alone need have a continuous tread in order to still have a continuous tread on the boot. In particular, for a frame-shaped coupling part it is advantageous if the convex sections are formed on the coupling part and the remainder of the tread is made for example on the bottom of the outer shell. With the outer shell lowered then the different sections of the tread are joined into a largely continuous tread. Thus the boot has convexly arched sections in a state ready for use in a ski binding mounted on the ski. This means that immediately after emerging from the binding without further manipulation a natural walking motion with a high level of comfortable movement is possible. In particular this execution enables ergonomic rolling of the boot on a base without the coupling part having to be removed from the boot. The integral connection of the outer shell to the coupling part and the execution of the convex tread sections on the coupling part result in that the coupling part not only does not prevent ergonomic natural walking motion, but enables it.

The boot shin surface can be arched or curved from a for example flat or concave middle part to the lengthwise ends such that in a state of the boot standing on a base with the tread, the tread is raised on the lengthwise ends off the base. In this connection the middle point of the radius of curvature is therefore above the side of the tread facing away from the base. The “interior” of a body to be defined for the definition of the designations “convex surface and “concave surface” here relates to the volume which is formed by the boot.

The coupling part can also have additional cutouts which for example allow removal of snow which collects in the coupling part in a walking motion. In the skiing-down position then the tread sections which are formed accordingly on the bottom of the outer shell can be placed in the cutouts such that the tread sections of the coupling part and the tread sections of the outer shell are combined into an overall tread.

Preferably the tread is made at least partially from an elastic material and is at least partially profiled. Thus it is ensured that in the execution of a natural walking motion, for example when walking on a base, there is a good foothold and the boot does not slip even on snow and ice. The tread can be made in the boot as claimed in the invention similarly to the tread of a mountain-climbing boot which is used for hiking. Thus for example when climbing during ski touring even rock areas which do not have snow can be safely crossed on foot. An elastic tread even for the state of the boot attached in the binding can enable damping of for example vibrations which are transmitted to the boot from the surface on which the binding is attached.

Preferably the tread of the boot in the forward end region and in the back end region has sections which have a smooth surface so that they form sliding zones. The sliding zones are arranged such that they adjoin the corresponding sections which are made on the support surfaces of the toe and heel pieces of the binding in the state of the boot which prevails in a safety binding. The sections of the toe and heel pieces of the binding can be likewise made as sliding zones. Preferably the sliding zones of the boot extend perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the boot over the entire width of the tread. In this way the boot can slide with its sliding zones on the support surfaces in the lateral direction, i.e. transversely to the lengthwise direction of the boot. The sliding zones can be made from materials which are different from the materials of the remaining tread of the boot or the support surfaces of the toe and heel pieces of the binding. Suitable material sections of the sliding zones can thus yield high reproducibility of the release force which must be exceeded for initiating a lateral safety release of the binding. Preferably for example polytetrafluorethylenes (Teflon)) or similar plastics which have a high sliding capacity can be used.

Alternatively there may also not be any sliding zones or the sideways release is achieved in some other way, such as for example by movable elements on the support surfaces. Likewise the end-side sections of the tread can also be made flat. The tread can be made alternatively for example according to a conventional standardized sole as is the case in a ski boot sole according to standards ISO 5355, DIN 7881 and ASTM F944. The boot can then be fastened in a conventional ski binding. In a boot with a tread, the tread can also have only tread sections which are made on the same part of the boot. It is for example conceivable for all sections of the tread to be made on the coupling part.

The boot as claimed in the invention with a tread can be held by a binding which has a toe piece made for holding the boot in the region of the boot tip and a heel piece made for holding the boot in the region of the heel of the boot. The heel piece of the binding has an open position in which the boot can be placed in the binding or can be taken out of the binding. Furthermore the heel piece has a closed position in which the binding is located when the boot is held in the binding. The toe piece and the heel piece each comprise a base plate with a support surface. The support surfaces are each made complementary to the corresponding tread sections of the boot tread so that when the boot is held in the binding the front tread section rests on the support surface of the toe piece and the rear tread section rests on the support surface of the heel piece. The corresponding shaping of the tread and support surfaces of the toe and heel pieces of the binding yield improved holding of the boot in the binding. If the tread sections are made for example arched, the support surfaces have a corresponding complementary curvature by which the boot can be held in the binding with improved positive locking. In particular the support surfaces of the toe and heel pieces of the binding can be made concave if the ski boot as claimed in the invention has convexly made end regions of the tread. The tread sections and the corresponding support surfaces need not however be made arched. It is likewise conceivable for the tread sections to have tilted flat surfaces which are raised for example off a base on the lengthwise ends of the tread and the support surfaces are formed by the corresponding flat surfaces which are oblique to the base. Likewise the entire tread and thus also the support surfaces of the toe and heel pieces of the binding can be made flat, such as for example in conventional ski boots and ski bindings.

Alternatively the support surfaces can have different curvatures than the tread sections. For example the support surfaces can be made flat with an arched tread. In this way the boot is not held positively in the binding; this dictates other holding measures.

In another embodiment of a binding for a boot as claimed in the invention with a tread, the toe piece and/or the heel piece each have a safety release which moves the respective toe and heel piece of the binding from the closed position into the released position and thus releases the boot under the action of a force between the boot held in the binding and the binding which is greater than a threshold value given on the toe and heel pieces of the binding. This results in that in a fall the boot held in the binding is released before the skier is injured. The safety release on the toe and heel pieces of the binding can be achieved for example by the toe and heel pieces of the binding having the safety release described in WO 96/23559 (Fritschi) for a ski binding. In this connection, on the toe piece a hold-down can be pivoted out laterally around a pivoting axis which is perpendicular to the ski surface, the toe piece being supported against a spring. Thus sideways release of the boot on the toe piece is enabled. On the heel piece there is a hold-down which supported against a spring can be pivoted around an axis which is transverse to the lengthwise direction of the ski boot and is parallel to the ski surface and thus enables release of the boot by lifting the heel region of the boot.

In one alternative, one version of the toe and heel pieces of the binding is conceivable which do not have a safety release and the hold-downs in the closed position can be transferred solely via an opening mechanism which can be manually actuated into a position in which the boot can be moved into or out of the binding (step-in and step-out position). This can be the case for example in an execution of the binding for a cross-country ski boot or a telemark boot.

In another possible version of a binding for a boot as claimed in the invention with a tread, the toe and heel pieces of the binding can each have first coupling means which are complementary to two coupling means on the fastening device. In this way the toe and heel pieces of the binding can be attached to the fastening device. In this connection the fastening device is made such that it can be attached to the surface. In this way the toe and heel pieces of the binding can be connected into a unit via the fastening device and can be attached as such to the surface. The fastening device can be made plate-shaped, a rail being present as the second coupling means. The toe and heel pieces of the binding then have corresponding engagement means which can engage the rail. In this way the toe and heel pieces of the binding can be attached to the rail by the engaging means.

Alternatively, the toe and heel pieces of the binding can be screwed directly to the surface, for example in the conventional manner.

In another embodiment of the binding for a boot as claimed in the invention, especially a ski boot, with a tread, and the toe and heel pieces can be attached to a fastening device, the fastening device is made as part of a ski. Preferably the fastening device is made as a rail on the ski surface which can be engaged by the corresponding engagement means on the toe and heel pieces of the binding. In this connection it is conceivable for the toe and heel pieces of the binding to be movable on the rail and able to be fixed in different positions.

Furthermore the invention relates to a system composed of the boot as claimed in the invention and the above described binding, the boot having a tread which has arched sections and preferably in each of the front end region and in the back end region convexly arched sections, and the binding has a toe piece and a heel piece which each encompass a support surface. The support surfaces are each made complementary to the tread sections, i.e. for a radius of curvature corresponding to the convex curvature, made concave, which adjoin the support surfaces of the toe and heel pieces of the binding in the state of the boot held in the binding. The shaping of the tread and of support surfaces of the toe and heel pieces of the binding as claimed in the invention yield improved holding of the boot in the binding. Alternatively, the sole of the boot can also be made as in conventional ski boots and thus can form a system with a conventional binding. In this connection conventional ski bindings and ski boots are for example ski bindings and ski boots which are made according to standards such as for example ISO 5355, DIN 7881 and/or ASTM F944. In this way reliable holding and, if there is a safety release, correct operation of the safety release of the ski binding are ensured.

Other advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiment are as follows.

FIG. 1 a shows a schematic side view of a ski boot as claimed in the invention in a ski binding in the skiing-down position,

FIG. 1 b shows a schematic side view of a ski boot as claimed in the invention in a ski binding in the pivoting position,

FIG. 1 c shows a schematic, sole-side view of a ski boot as claimed in the invention,

FIG. 1 d shows a schematic section of an extract of FIG. 1 a,

FIG. 1 e shows a schematic section of an extract of FIG. 1 b,

FIG. 2 a shows a schematic partial view of a section through a ski boot as claimed in the invention with a locking lever which is made as a climbing aid, in the locked skiing-down position,

FIG. 2 b shows a schematic partial view of a section through a ski boot as claimed in the invention with a locking lever which is made as a climbing aid, in the unlocked climbing position, the climbing aid being pivoted into the neutral position,

FIG. 2 c shows a schematic partial view of a section through a ski boot as claimed in the invention with a locking lever which is made as a climbing aid, in the unlocked climbing position, the climbing aid being pivoted into the position in which it forms an elevated support surface,

FIG. 2 d shows a schematic partial view of a section through a ski boot as claimed in the invention with a locking lever which is made as a step-in aid, in the unlocked climbing position, the step-in aid being pivoted into another position in which it forms another support surface,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic partial view of a section through a ski boot as claimed in the invention which is provided in the heel area with a locking lever which is made as a climbing aid and which is provided with a damping device,

FIG. 4 a shows a schematic partial view of a section in the front boot area through a ski boot as claimed in the invention with a completely lowered heel area of the outer shell,

FIG. 4 b shows a view according to 4 a with a raised heel section of the outer shell,

FIG. 4 c shows a view according to 4 b with a heel section of the outer shell raised further,

FIG. 5 a shows a schematic partial view of a section in the front boot area through a ski boot as claimed in the invention with a completely lowered heel area of the outer shell,

FIG. 5 b shows a view according to 5 a with a heel section of the outer shell raised,

FIG. 5 c shows a view according to 5 b with a heel section of the outer shell raised further,

FIG. 5 d shows a view according to FIG. 5 c with roughly 90° pivoting between the outer shell and the coupling part,

FIG. 6 a shows a schematic partial view of a section in the front boot area through a ski boot as claimed in the invention with a completely lowered heel area of the outer shell,

FIG. 6 b shows a view according to 6 a with a raised heel section of the outer shell,

FIG. 6 c shows a view according to 6 b with a heel section of the outer shell raised further,

FIG. 7 shows an outside view of a ski boot as claimed in the invention in an embodiment with a sole shell with a continuous bottom and a locking lever with a climbing aid.

Fundamentally the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers in the figures.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Components

FIG. 1 a shows a ski boot 100 which is held in a ski binding 200 which is attached to a surface 1, such as for example the surface of a ski.

The ski boot 100 has a coupling part 101 and an outer shell 120. The outer shell 120 can hold the foot of the skier (not shown). The coupling part 101 in the illustrated embodiment of the ski boot 100 is made as a oblong frame-like carrier 102 which extends from the heel area 112 of the ski boot 100 to the tip area of the ski boot 111 and has a cutout 121 which forms the interior 118 of the carrier 102 and of the coupling part 101. The cutout 121 passes through the carrier 102 and has an opening 122.1 facing the surface 1 and an opening 122.2 facing away from the surface 1. The ski binding 200 which holds the carrier 102 has a toe piece 201 and a rear heel piece 202 with an arrangement on the surface 1 which defines the lengthwise direction of the ski binding. In the case of attachment to the surface of the ski, the lengthwise direction of the ski binding is parallel to the lengthwise axis of the ski. In this connection the lengthwise direction of the carrier 102 held in the ski binding 200 is parallel to the lengthwise direction of the ski binding and thus defines a front and a rear lengthwise end 105 and 106 of the carrier 102.

Binding and Carrier

The toe piece 201 and the heel piece 202 can have one hold-down 203 and 204 each which is made on the side facing the other piece at the time with respect to the lengthwise direction of the ski boot. The hold-downs 203 and 204 hold the carrier 102 on the coupling means 107 and 108 of the carrier 102. Here the hold-down 203 of the toe piece 201 holds the carrier 102 on the front coupling means 107 which is made on its front end 105, and the hold-down 204 of the heel piece 202 holds the carrier 102 on the rear coupling means 108 which is made on its back end 106.

Furthermore, the toe piece 201 has a base plate 207 provided with a support surface 205. The base plate 207 is made on the side of the toe piece 201 facing the surface 1 and extends in the direction to the heel piece 202. The support surface 205 is made on the side of the base plate 207 facing away from the surface 1 and has a concave arch. On the front lengthwise end 105 of the carrier 102, on the bottom facing the surface 1 a convexly arched tread surface 109 is formed which corresponds in a complementary manner to a section of the support surface 205. For the ski boot 100 held in the ski binding 200 the tread section 109 lies in the corresponding section on the support surface 205. The tread surface 109 on the area near the rear lengthwise end 106 of the ski boot 100 has a sliding zone 136 which extends over the entire width of the tread section 109 transversely to the plane E of the ski boot (see FIG. 1 c) which is defined by the lengthwise direction of the carrier and the direction perpendicular to the surface 1. The heel piece 202 likewise has a base plate 208 with a concavely arched support surface 206. The base plate 208 is likewise made on the side of the heel piece 202 facing the surface 1 and extends in the direction to the toe piece 201. The support surface 206 is made on the side of the base plate 208 facing away from the surface 1. The rear lengthwise end 106 of the carrier 102 on the bottom facing the surface 1 has a convexly arched tread surface 110 which corresponds to the section of the support surface 206 in a complementary manner. For the state of the ski boot 100 held in the ski binding the tread surface 110 adjoins the support surface 206 in the corresponding section. The tread section 110 on the region near the front lengthwise end 105 has a sliding zone 137 which extends over the entire width of the tread section 110 transversely to the plane E of the ski boot. The hold-downs 203 and 204 hold the carrier 102 in its lengthwise direction by their applying contact pressure to the sole, the contact pressure on the sole acting in the direction of the other toe or heel piece. On the other hand, at the same time the carrier 102 is held down on the coupling devices 107 and 108 by the hold-downs 203 and 204 in the direction to the corresponding support surfaces 205 and 206.

Outer Shell

Furthermore the outer shell 120 of the ski boot 100 is located on the carrier 102. The ski boot 100 is shown in FIG. 1 a in the skiing-down position in which the heel area 125 of the outer shell 120 is lowered onto the carrier 102. Here the outer shell 120 is partially surrounded on both sides by the carrier 102 with respect to the plane E of the ski boot (see FIG. 1 c). The outer shell 120 is located in the cutout 121 of the carrier 102, the bottom 104 of the outer shell 120 facing the surface 1 passing partially through the opening 122.1 of the carrier 102. The top 103 of the outer shell 102 facing away from the surface 1 passes through the opening 122.2. The outer shell 120 comprises the foot shell 104 and the shell 123 of the upper. The shell 123 of the upper is formed on the top 103 of the outer shell 120, and when the skier's foot is in the ski boot 100, surrounds part of the calf. The region 140 of the bottom 104 of the outer shell 120 which passes through the cutout 121 is made partially or completely as a tread section 141 or 142. The tread sections 109 and 110 of the carrier 102 and the tread sections 141 and 142 pass smoothly into one another and form a continuous tread of the ski boot 100.

The outer shell 120 of the ski boot 100 is articulated in the forward region on the carrier 102. The outer shell 120 can be pivoted around the geometrical axis A of rotation which lies in the region of the ball of the foot held in the outer shell 120 (not shown) and stands vertically on the plane E of the ski boot. The articulated connection is achieved in this embodiment by hinges 124 which connect the outer shell 120 to the carrier 102. The hinges 124 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane E of the ski boot, coaxially with the geometrical axis A of rotation on the outer shell 120. In this connection the hinges 124 are located on the edge of the opening 122.2 of the cutout 121 of the carrier 102.

Locking Lever

On the back lengthwise end of the carrier 102 an elongated locking lever 130 is attached on one of its lengthwise ends 134 to be able to pivot around the geometrical axis B of rotation which is vertical on the plane E of the ski boot. An axle body 131 connects the locking lever 130 to the carrier 102 so that the locking lever 130 with its lengthwise direction lying in the plane E of the ski boot can be pivoted either away from the outer shell 120 to the rear or toward the outer shell 120. The locking lever 130 for this purpose on its lengthwise end 135 opposite the lengthwise end 134 has a handle 136 which can be actuated for example manually or with a ski pole. In the state completely pivoted toward the outer shell 120 the locking lever 130 in the skiing down position, as is shown in FIG. 1 a, on its side facing the outer shell 120 adjoins the outer shell 120. In particular the locking lever 130 in the heel area 112 of the ski boot 100 and in the areas of the shell 123 of the upper adjoins the outer shell 120.

The locking lever 130 on its side facing the outer shell 120 of the ski boot 100 has a coupling part 132. On the outer shell 120 a coupling means 133 which corresponds in a complementary manner to the coupling means 132 is formed and arranged such that with the locking lever 130 pivoted completely toward the outer shell 120, the coupling means 132 and 133 engage one another positively or nonpositively. Thus the coupling means 132 in the skiing down position engages the coupling means 133 and prevents lifting of the heel region 125 of the outer shell 120 off the carrier 102. The outer shell is thus locked on the carrier 102 in the skiing-down position.

FIG. 1 b shows a ski boot 100 as claimed in the invention in the pivoting position 165. The locking lever 130 in the unlocked position 160 which differs from the locked skiing-down position 150 in that the locking lever 130 is pivoted away from the outer shell 120 of the ski boot 100 around the axis B such that the coupling means 132 of the locking lever 130 does not engage the corresponding coupling means 133 on the outer shell 120 [sic]. The outer shell 120 of the ski boot 100 is thus unlocked relative to the carrier and can be pivoted around the axle A. Thus the heel region 125 of the outer shell 120 can be lifted off the carrier 102 and lowered again. The outer shell 120 is made on the tip 111 of the ski boot such that it does not hinder pivoting around the axle A and pivoting of the outer shell 120 relative to the carrier 102 by at least 90° is possible.

FIGS. 1 d and 1 e each show a schematic section of the front cutout from FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b. In particular the outer shell 120 and the coupling part 101 are shown in FIGS. 1 d and 1 e in a section. The other illustrated parts correspond to the description in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b. Reference is made to the parts below without their being described again.

The outer shell 120 has an interior 113 which is intended to hold the foot. The interior 113 can be bordered directly by the outer shell 120 or by an inner boot which is not shown and which is located in the outer shell 120. Furthermore a plane J is shown which encompasses the geometrical axis A of rotation and is located essentially vertically on the bottom 114 of the outer shell 120 or perpendicularly to the sole of a foot which is not shown in the boot 100. In the skiing down position with the heel region 125 lowered completely onto the coupling part 101 the plane J stands largely vertically on the surface 1. The plane J is however stationary relative to the outer shell 120 and is concomitantly pivoted around the axis A of rotation in the transition from the position with the completely lowered heel region 125 into the pivoting position 165 with the outer shell 120. For a deformable execution of the outer shell 120 the plane J should be understood as stationary relative to one of the areas of the outer shell 120, such as for example the heel region 125. The plane J passes through the interior 113 based on the position of the axis A of rotation which is set back to the rear as claimed in the invention from the front tip 115 of the outer shell 120. Thus the plane J in the interior 113 defines the front component space 116 (surrounded by the heavy line) and the rear component space 117. In the transition from the position with the heel area lowered in FIG. 1 d to the pivoting position 165 of FIG. 1 e the heel area (not shown) is raised off the coupling part 101. In doing so the front component space 116 dips into the coupling part 101 or into the cutout 121 which forms the interior 118 of the coupling part, while the rear component space 117 is pivoted out of the cutout 121. In this way the section of a foot present in the boot 100, which section is located in the front component space 116, is lowered into the coupling part 101 or pivoted around the axis A of rotation into the coupling part 101 and toward the surface 1 or toward the bottom 126 of the boot. In particular one region 119.2 (tight crosshatching) of the component space 116, which in the pivoting position 165 with the heel area raised is located within the interior 118, is larger than the region 119.1 (tightly crosshatched) of the component space 116 which is located in the interior 118 in the skiing-down position with the heel area lowered.

FIG. 1 c is a schematic top view on the side of a ski boot 100 as claimed in the invention facing the surface 1. The ski boot 100 in FIG. 1 c is in the skiing down position, i.e. the heel region 125 of the outer shell 120 is lowered onto the carrier 102 and the outer shell 120 is locked relative to the carrier 102. The view shows only parts of the ski boot 100 and no parts of the ski binding or the ski. The figure shows how the tread sections 109 and 110 of the frame-like carrier 102 and the tread sections 141 and 142 on the bottom 104 of the outer shell 120 adjoin one another. The tread sections 141 and 142 of the outer shell 120 are shown as continuous in the illustrated embodiment and thus form a continuous tread 138 of the ski boot 100 together with the tread sections 109 and 110. The tread sections 141 and 142 are located in the opening 122.1 of the carrier 102 and can pas partially through it. The carrier 102 encompasses the outer shell 120 in the manner of a frame and in the illustrated view covers most of the outer shell 120, the shell 123 of the upper being visible. The outer shell 120 is connected via hinges 124 to the carrier 102 and can be pivoted relative to the carrier 102 via the common geometrical axis A of rotation of the hinges 124. On the back end 106 of the carrier 102 is the locking lever 130. The carrier 102 is furthermore provided with coupling means 107 and 108 on which the hold-downs 203 and 204 of the ski binding hold the carrier 102 when the ski boot 100 is in the binding.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the ski boot 250 as claimed in the invention in the unlocked and pivoted position. The figure shows an outside view of the ski boot 250, with an outer shell 252 and a coupling part 251. In contrast to FIGS. 1 a to 1 c, the coupling part 251 is made as an elongated sole shell 253 with a continuous bottom 254 and not as a frame-shaped carrier. The outer shell 252 is present in the cavity 268 of the sole shell 253 which has an opening 269 on the side 290 of the sole shell 253 opposite the bottom 254. In the skiing down position (not shown) the bottom 270 of the outer shell 252 is lowered onto the inside 271 of the bottom 254 of the sole shell 253. The sole shell 253 has different cutouts 255 which on the one hand reduce the weight of the sole shell 253 and thus of the ski boot 250, and on the other hand form a outflow for snow which can collect in the sole shell 253. In this connection however there are no cutouts on the bottom 254 of the sole shell 253. On the outside the sole shell 253 on its bottom 254 has a continuous tread 256 which is made for example from an elastic material such as rubber and is profiled. The tread 256 has differently arched sections, especially it has one convexly arched tread section 259 and 260 at a time in the sole region on the front lengthwise end 257 of the sole shell 253 and in the sole region on the rear lengthwise end 258 of the sole shell 253. The tread sections 259 and 260 have a sliding zone 291 and 292, respectively. On the front lengthwise end 257 and on the rear lengthwise end 258 the sole shell 253 furthermore has one coupling means at a time in the form of a projection 272 and 273, on which the boot can be held on the sole shell 253 in a binding.

On its back lengthwise end, on the coupling part 251 via an axle body not shown in the drawings with an axis B of rotation an elongated support lever 262 is formed which is provided with a climbing aid which comprises two projections 263 and support surfaces 264 made thereon. On its lengthwise end 266 facing away from the axle body the support lever 262 has a handle 265. The outer shell 252 has a catch surface 267 which when the outer shell 252 is lowered onto the coupling part 251 for the pivoted-in position of the support lever 262 comes to rest on the corresponding support surfaces 264.

Furthermore, on the ski boot 250 there is a locking device 285. The locking device 285 encompasses a quarter-turn closure 286 and a corresponding counterpart 287 which is formed in the ankle region on the outer shell 252. The quarter-turn closure 266 is located on the sole shell 253 such that with the outer shell 252 lowered, locking of the closure 286 with the counterpart 287 is possible.

In the region of the ball of the foot which is located in the outer shell 252 (not shown), the outer shell 252 is connected to the coupling part 251 via hinges 261 which are present on both sides of the foot on the outer shell 252. The hinges 261 have a common axis A of rotation. The outer shell has different shell parts, especially there are the shell 276 of the upper, the foot shell 277 and the toe shell 278. Furthermore there is an inner boot 279 which has a cushioned collar 281 which projects over the shell 276 of the upper on the entry opening 280.

FIG. 2 a shows an enlarged schematic cross section of the heel area of another embodiment of a ski boot 300 as claimed in the invention. The illustrated section corresponds to a view in the plane E of the ski boot. The ski boot 300 is held by the heel piece 330 of the ski binding on a coupling means 306 which is formed on the back end 303 of a carrier 304 of the ski boot 300. The locking lever 301 present in the shell region on the ski boot 300 is also made in FIGS. 2 a-d as a three-stage climbing aid. The locking level 301 is pivotally attached on one of its lengthwise ends 308 by an axle body 302 on the back end 303 of the carrier 304 such that it can be pivoted with its lengthwise axis C in the plane E of the ski boot on the one hand toward the outer shell 305 of the ski boot 300 and on the other hand away from the outer shell 305 again. The lengthwise end 309 of the locking lever 301 opposite the lengthwise end 308 has a handle 310 with an indentation 331. The handle 310 enables manual pivoting of the locking lever 301, the indentation 331 facilitating the pivoting of the locking lever 301 with a ski pole. The locking lever 301 furthermore on its side facing the outer shell 305 at different distances from the lengthwise end 308 has three projections 311, 312 and 313, which each have support surfaces 314, 315 and 316 respectively on the sides facing away from the lengthwise end 308. On its other lengthwise end 309 the locking lever 301 furthermore has a coupling means which is made as a hook-shaped projection 318 in the illustrated embodiment. The outer shell 305 has recesses 319, 320 and 321 which correspond to projections 311, 312 and 313 and which are made such that when the heel region 307 is lowered onto the carrier 304 the locking lever 301 can be pivoted toward the outer shell 305 and in this connection the projections 311 to 313 are held in the recesses 319 to 321. The side of the recess 319 which is opposite the support surface 314 of the first projection of the locking lever 301, that is, the side farther away from the carrier 304, is made as a catch surface 323. The recess 319 which is nearest the carrier 304 passes into the heel region 307 of the outer shell 305.

The outer shell 305 furthermore also has a coupling part 322 which is complementary to the hook-shaped projection 318 and which can be engaged by the hook-shaped projection 318 when the locking lever 301 has been completely pivoted toward the outer shell 306. With the locking lever 301 locked, the outer shell 305 of the ski boot 300 is locked relative to the carrier 304 and the ski boot 300 is located in the skiing-down position (see FIG. 2 a).

FIG. 2 b shows the heel region of the ski boot 300 with the heel region 307 of the outer shell 305 lowered onto the carrier 304. In this connection the locking lever 301 pivoted away from the outer shell 305 of the ski boot 300 relative to the skiing-down position is located in the first pivoting position. In the first pivoting position the lengthwise axis C of the locking lever is pivoted by an included angle α relative to its position D in the completely pivoted-in position of the skiing-down position. A device which is not shown enables locking of the locking level 301 in different pivoting positions. In the first pivoting position of the locking lever 301 the outer shell 305 is unlocked and in the climbing position can be pivoted relative to the carrier 304 around the axis A (FIGS. 1 a-c). In this connection the catch surface 323 present on the outer shell 305 also describes pivoting motion around the axis A. In the first pivoting position of the locking lever 301 the support surface 314 of the first projection 311 of the locking lever 301 nearest the carrier is in the pivoting path of the catch surface 323.

In this way the catch surface 323 when the heel region 307 has been lowered onto the carrier 304 lies on the support surface 314 of the first projection 311 of the locking lever 301. Lowering of the heel region 307 on the carrier 304 is not limited by the climbing aid on the locking lever 301 in this connection.

In FIG. 2 c the ski boot 300 is in the unlocked climbing position in which the outer shell 305 can be pivoted around the axle A relative to the carrier 304. The locking lever 301 is locked in the second pivoting position in which the support surface 315 of the second projection 312 lies in the pivoting path of the catch surface 323 present on the outer shell 305. The lengthwise axis of the locking lever 301 in the second pivoting position is pivoted by an angle p relative to the position D of the lengthwise axis in the skiing-down position. In this way the pivoting region of the outer shell 305 is limited and the catch surface 323 cannot be lowered in the direction of the carrier 304 farther than until it rests on the support surface 315. Thus the heel region 307 cannot be further lowered on the carrier 304.

In FIG. 2 d the ski boot 300 is likewise located in the unlocked climbing position with a pivoting outer shell 305. The locking lever 301 is located in the third pivoting position in which the support surface 316 of the third projection 313 which is farthest away from the axle body 302 lies in the pivoting path of the catch surface 323. In this embodiment the lengthwise axis C of the locking lever 301 is in the same pivoting position as in the locked skiing-down position (the included angle y between C and D disappears). In this way the pivoting region of the outer shell 304 is further limited and the heel region 307 can be lowered onto the carrier 304 less than in the first or second pivoting position of the locking lever 301.

FIG. 3 shows another schematic sectional view of the heel region of another embodiment of a ski boot 349 as claimed in the invention. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, the pivotable fastening of the locking lever 301 to a carrier 350 by an axle body 351 has additional spring-loaded support. This is achieved by the carrier 350 being made as an oblong cavity 352 in which there is a damping spring 353 with a spring force acting in the direction which is pointed away from the surface 1. The cavity 352 is oriented essentially perpendicular to the surface 1. The cavity 352 has two lengthwise ends 355 and 356, the lengthwise end 355 being nearer the tread section 354 of the carrier 350 which is made on the bottom of the carrier 350 facing the surface 1. On the lengthwise end 355 the cavity 352 is connected via a hole 357 to an opening 358 in the tread section 354. In the hole 357 there is an adjustment device 359 which enables a change of the pretensioning of the damping spring 353. In this embodiment the adjustment device 359 is made by an inside thread 360 located in the hole 357 and a screw 361 which is screwed into it and which is coupled to the end 362 of the spring 353 near the sole surface.

On the end 356 of the cavity 352 away from the sole surface, the axle body 351 passes transversely to the lengthwise direction of the cavity 352 through the latter. The axle body 351 is routed in the oblong recesses 363 of the carrier 350. The lengthwise direction of the recesses 363 is parallel to the lengthwise direction of the cavity 352. The damping spring 353 on its end away from the sole surface adjoins the axle body 351 and presses it by its spring force away from the tread section 354 on the stop 364 of the recesses 363 which is away from the sole surface.

This results in that loading of the outer shell 305 in the direction toward the surface 1, for example by a skier when executing a walking motion which is transferred to the locking lever 301, acts against the damping spring 353. In this way the axle body 351 is elastically shifted in the lengthwise direction of the recesses 363. With a suitable adjustment of the pretensioning of the spring 353, for example according to the weight of the skier, damping of shocks which acts on the heel region of the ski boot 349 is thus achieved.

FIG. 4 a shows a schematic of one possible version of the connection between the coupling part 401 and the outer shell 402 of a ski boot 400 as claimed in the invention, which enables on the one hand rotary motion around the geometrical axis A of rotation and on the other hand bending of the outer shell 402.

A sectional view in the plane of the ski boot which corresponds to the plane E of the ski boot of FIG. 1 c shows the forward region of the ski boot 400. The ski boot 400 is located in a position in which a heel region (not shown) of the outer shell 402 is lowered onto the coupling part 401. The coupling part 401 on the front lengthwise end has a projection 415 which is used as a coupling means for attachment in a ski binding. The outer shell 402 has an interior 423 which is provided for holding the foot of the skier. The lengthwise location of the axis A of rotation defines the plane J in which the geometrical axis A is located and which stands vertically on the bottom 424 of the outer shell 402 and perpendicular to the sole of the foot in the boot 400. The plane J is stationary relative to the outer shell 402, i.e. when the heel region is lifted or pivoted the plane J is pivoted at the same time with the heel region. The plane J thus defines the front component space 425 and the rear component space 426 of the interior 423. The outer shell 402 of the ski boot 400 in the illustrated embodiment comprises an essentially hemispherical, essentially rigid toe shell 403 which is open on one side and which essentially surrounds the front component space 425 in whole or in part, and an essentially rigid tubular instep shell 404 which is open on two lengthwise sides and which at least partially surrounds the rear component space 426. The toe shell 403 in the plane E of the ski boot has a circular arc-shaped cross section, the center of the arc lying concentrically with the geometrical axis A of rotation. The toe shell 403 encompasses a foot-side opening 405 by which the toes and sections of the ball of the foot held in the outer shell 402 can be placed in the toe shell 403. The instep shell 404 on two lengthwise ends has one opening each, and through the heel-side opening (not shown) the foot can be placed in the instep shell 404, and when the foot is in the outer shell 402 the toes and the region of the ball of the foot project over the instep shell 404 through a toe-side opening 416. The open side 405 of the toe shell 403 is connected to the toe-side opening 416 of the instep shell 404. The instep shell is connected to be elastically pivoted on the edge 420 of the opening 416 via a kink 407 to one edge 421 of the opening 405. The kink 407 is located underneath the region of the ball of the foot which is held in the outer shell 402. The geometrical axis F of pivoting of the kink 407 is aligned parallel to the axis A of rotation. In the region between the toe shell 403 and the instep shell 404, above the foot there is a section of elastic material 406 which connects the edge 421 to the edge 420. The elastic section 406 has a maximum width 408 above the foot in the lengthwise direction of the ski boot and tapers toward the kink 407 of the outer shell 402.

The outer shell 402 is connected to the coupling part 410 via hinges 409 which are formed on both sides of the foot in the outer shell 402 in the region of the ball of the foot on the toe shell 403 and have a common axis of rotation which is coaxial with the axis of rotation A. Furthermore, on the toe shell 403 at the point 410 nearest the tip of the ski boot on the outside there is a stop 411 which is made as a projection 411. The coupling part 401 has an interior 417 in which the outer shell 402 is located. The interior 417 in the region 418 which lies near the toe shell 403 on the inside, i.e. on the side 412 facing the outer shell 402, has a region 422 which is curved concavely in an arc shape, the center of curvature essentially coinciding with the axis A of rotation. The radius of curvature of the region 422 on the coupling part 401 is larger by roughly more than the extension of the stop 411 which is radial with respect to the axis A of rotation than the outside radius of the toe shell 403. In this way the outer shell 402 can be rotated around the axis of rotation A without striking the coupling part 401. On the inside, on the coupling part 401 on the curved surface there is a counterpart 413 which corresponds to the stop 411 of the toe shell 403 and which is made offset in the azimuth direction around the axis of rotation A from the stop by an angle of roughly 45° in the direction of the bottom 414 of the ski boot. The angle can also be selected to be larger or smaller depending on how large the desired angular range is which is to be traversed with a pure rotary motion of the outer shell 402.

On the outside, the coupling part 401 likewise has a region 419 which is curved in a circular shape in the lengthwise cross section. The curvature of the region 419 corresponds to the curvature of the region 422, but the radius of curvature being larger by the wall thickness of the coupling part 401. The region 419 thus forms a base for a convexly curved section of the tread of the boot 400, which section is not shown.

FIG. 4 b shows a schematic view of the ski boot 400 as claimed in the invention as shown in FIG. 4 a, the outer shell 402 being pivoted relative to the coupling part 401 and the heel region of the outer shell 402 being raised off the coupling part 401. The transition from the position shown in FIG. 4 a to the position in FIG. 4 b corresponds to the first phase (rotation phase) of a walking motion in which the lifting of the heel region of the outer shell 402 off the coupling part 401 is achieved by a pure rotary motion around the geometrical axis of rotation A. In FIG. 4 b the outer shell 402 is rotated relative to the illustrated position in FIG. 4 a around the axis A of rotation, the heel region of the outer shell 402 (not shown) being raised off the shell region of the coupling part 401 (not shown).

In the position of FIG. 4 b the toe shell 403 and especially also the point 410 of the toe shell 403 or the outer shell 401 nearest the tip of the ski boot is pivoted toward the bottom 414 of the ski boot 400. The toe shell 403 and thus also the front component space 425 of the interior 423 of the outer shell 402 are dipped at least partially into the interior 417 of the coupling part 401. The toe shell 403 is dipped into the coupling part 401 and rotated around the axis A of rotation to such an extent that the stop 411 of the toe shell 403 strikes the counterstop 413 of the coupling part 401 and thus limits further rotation of the entire outer shell 402 around the axis A of rotation. The elastic region 406 of the outer shell 402 in this position of the walking motion is not compressed or is deformed in some other way.

FIG. 4 c shows a schematic view of a ski boot 400 in the second phase (bending phase) of walking motion. In the second phase of walking motion the lifting of the heel region of the outer shell 402 by elastic deformation of the outer shell 402 is achieved. The heel region of the outer shell 402 is lifted relative to the position of FIG. 4 b farther from the coupling part 401 of the ski boot 400. Since pivoting of the outer shell 402 around the axis of rotation A is prevented by the stop 411 striking the counterstop 413, the toe shell 403 can no longer dip farther into the coupling part 401. The toe shell 403 thus remains stationary in the second phase, i.e. the bending phase, relative to the coupling part 401. In this way, by further raising of the heel region of the outer shell 402 the instep shell 404 is tilted around the kink 407 relative to the toe shell 403 pointed away from the coupling part 401. In this connection the elastic region 406 which connects the toe shell 403 to the instep shell 404 has been deformed and compressed.

These two phases of the walking motion can also occur superimposed and are shown for better illustration as phases which follow in succession in time. I.e., rotation and bending motion can occur at the same time and need not be clearly separated. It is therefore likewise conceivable for the two phases to occur in the reverse sequence or for only one phase to occur.

FIG. 5 a shows a schematic of another possible embodiment of the connection between the coupling part 501 and the outer shell 502 of a ski boot 500 as claimed in the invention, which on the one hand enables rotary motion around the first geometrical axis A of rotation and rotary motion around a second geometrical axis G of rotation, and on the other enables bending of the outer shell 502.

In the sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4 a, the front region of the ski boot 500 is shown. The ski boot 500 is located in the position in which the heel region of the outer shell 502 is lowered onto the coupling part 501. The instep shell 504 and the toe shell 503 are made essentially according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 a.

In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 4 a, the toe shell 503 is connected to one elongated short carrier 510 at a time via hinges 509 which are made on both sides of the foot located in the outer shell 502 in the region of the ball of the foot on the toe shell 503. The hinges 509 are present on one of the lengthwise ends of the carrier 510 at a time and have a common axis H of rotation. The axis H of rotation forms the geometrical axis A of rotation. On the lengthwise end which is the other at the time the carriers 510 are connected to the coupling part 501 via one hinge 511 at a time. The hinges 511 have a common axis G of rotation. The axis G of rotation is nearer the tip of the ski boot than the axis A of rotation. Furthermore, the toe shell 503 does not have a stop which is near the tip of the ski boot, but on the outside, on either side of the foot held in the outer shell 502, has one driving stop 530 at a time in the toe region. The driving stops 530 are made on the outer side on the toe shell 503 such that they do not strike the coupling part 501 in rotary motion of the outer shell 502 around the axis A of rotation. The carriers 510 are arranged with their lengthwise direction roughly in the lengthwise direction of the ski boot on the outer side on the outer shell 502 such that one region of the carrier 510 at a time forms a counterstop 513 for the driving stops 530 of the toe shell 503 when the outer shell 502 pivots around the axis A of rotation. The counterstops 513 are preferably located in the lengthwise direction of the carriers 510 in the region between the two geometrical axes A and G of rotation. The instep shell 504 and the toe shell 503 are coupled to one another to be able to pivot around the geometrical axis F according to FIGS. 4 a-c at the kink 507. The edge 520 of the toe-side opening 516 of the instep shell 504 is connected via an elastic section 506 to the edge 521 of the foot-side opening 505 of the toe shell 503.

FIG. 5 b shows a schematic view of a ski boot 500 as claimed in the invention as shown in FIG. 5 a, the outer shell 502 being pivoted relative to the coupling part 501 and the heel region of the outer shell 502 being raised off the coupling part 501. The transition from the position shown in FIG. 5 a to the position in FIG. 5 b corresponds to the first phase of walking motion in which raising of the heel region of the outer shell 502 off the coupling part 501 is achieved by pure rotary motion around the geometrical axis A of rotation, i.e. the first phase is a rotation phase and largely corresponds to the transition from the position shown in FIG. 4 a to the position of FIG. 4 b. In the position from FIG. 5 b, due to rotation of the outer shell 502 around the axis A, the front region 508 of the toe shell 503 or of the outer shell 502 with the front component space 525 surrounded by the front region 508 is dipped at least partially into the interior 517 of the coupling part 501. The toe shell 503 is dipped into the coupling part 501 to such an extent that the driving stops 530 of the toe shell 503 strike the counterstops 513 of the carriers 510 and thus limit farther pivoting of the entire outer shell 502 around the axis A of rotation. The elastic region 506 which is located between the instep shell 504 and the toe shell 503 is not compressed or deformed in some other way in this position of walking motion.

FIG. 5 c shows a schematic view of a ski boot 500 in the second phase of walking motion. In the second phase of walking motion the lifting of the heel area of the outer shell 502 by elastic deformation of the outer shell 502 in the elastic region and kinking in the kinking region 507 of the outer shell 502 are achieved. The second phase is therefore formed by the bending phase. The position of FIG. 5 c corresponds essentially to the position shown in FIG. 4 c.

FIG. 5 d shows a schematic view of a ski boot 500 in the third phase of the walking motion. In the third phase of walking motion the lifting of the heel region of the outer shell 502 by a second rotary motion around the second axis G of rotation is achieved. The third phase thus corresponds again to the rotation phase of the walking motion. The elastic region 506 of the outer shell 502 is completely compressed after executing the second phase, “completely compressed” meaning that the resistance of the elastic material against lifting of the heel region of the outer shell 502 reaches a certain threshold which makes further bending difficult and thus results in initiation of the third phase. Therefore it cannot be precluded that the elastic region could still be further compressed.

In the third phase of walking motion, by the striking of the driving stops 530 of the toe shell 503 against the counterstops 513 of the carriers 510 and the complete compression of the elastic region 506, further lifting of the heel region of the outer shell 502 off the coupling part 501 can only be achieved by rotary motion around the second axis G of rotation. In this connection the toe shell 503 is at rest relative to the carriers 510 and is pivoted with them around the axis G of rotation. Here the front region 508 of the toe shell 503 dips further into the coupling part 501. In the position shown in FIG. 5 d the entire outer shell 502 is pivoted further around the axis G of rotation, the elastic region 506 being still completely compressed. But it is also possible in this connection for the elastic region 506 to have been relieved again and stretched during the third phase. By concomitantly pivoting of the carriers 510 the axis H of rotation formed by the hinges 509 is also rotated around the axis G of rotation relative to the geometrical axis A of rotation.

As also in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 a-c, the different phases of walking motion can also be superimposed or can occur in a different sequence and are shown as phases following one another in time only for better illustration. Likewise not all phases need occur during the walking motion.

FIG. 6 a shows a schematic of another possible embodiment of the connection between the coupling part 601 and the outer shell 602 of a ski boot 600 as claimed in the invention which on the one hand enables rotary motion around one geometrical axis A of rotation and on the other hand bending of the outer shell 602.

In the sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4 a and FIG. 5 a the front region of the ski boot 600 is shown. The ski boot 600 is in the position in which the heel region of the outer shell 602 has been lowered onto the coupling part 601. The instep shell 604 and the toe shell 603 are made essentially according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 a.

In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 a-c, the instep shell 602 on the hinges 609 which connect the toe shell 603 to the coupling part 601 is pivotally connected to the toe shell 603 and to the coupling part 601. In this way the instep shell 602 can be rotated relative to the toe shell 603 likewise around the geometrical axis A of rotation. Underneath the region of the ball of the foot which is held in the outer shell 602, one edge 620 of the toe-side opening 616 of the instep shell is connected by a bellows 630 to the edge 621 of the toe shell 602. The bellows 630 extend from one of the hinges 609 along the edges 620 and 621 underneath the foot to the other of the hinges 609. To protect the bellows 630, the instep shell 604 on the outside overlaps the toe shell 603 in the region 635 of the bellows 630.

An elastic section 606 connects the edges 620 and 621 in the region above the foot, likewise from one of the hinges 609 to the other. The elastic section 606 is made as in FIG. 4 a and FIG. 5 a in the region between the edges 620 and 621. Furthermore, according to the version of FIG. 4 a, on the toe shell 603 and on the coupling part 601 a stop 611 made as a projection or a corresponding counterstop 613 is made.

In this connection it goes without saying that the bellows 630 can likewise be made as an elastic region and it is likewise conceivable for the elastic region 606 to be made as bellows. Likewise in this embodiment of a ski boot 600 as claimed in the invention the axis of rotation of the outer shell 602 relative to the coupling part 601 need not unconditionally coincide with the axis of the joint between the instep shell 604 and the toe shell 603. It is easily conceivable for the articulated connection between the instep shell 604 and the toe shell 603 to have an axis which is preferably parallel to the axis A, but is spaced apart from it for example in the direction to the bottom of the ski.

FIG. 6 b shows a schematic view of a ski boot 600 as claimed in the invention as shown in FIG. 6 a, the outer shell 602 being pivoted relative to the coupling part 601 and the heel region of the outer shell 602 being raised off the coupling part 601. The transition from the position shown in FIG. 6 a to the position of FIG. 6 b takes place in the rotation phase of walking motion and corresponds essentially to the first phase of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. The stop 611 and the front region 608 of the toe shell 603 are dipped into the coupling part 601.

FIG. 6 c shows a second phase of the walking motion of a ski boot 600 which is formed by a bending phase. In the second phase of the walking motion thus the raising of the heel region of the outer shell 602 is achieved by elastic deformation of the outer shell 602. The heel region of the outer shell 602 is raised relative to the position of FIG. 8 b farther off the coupling part 601 of the ski boot 600. Since further pivoting of the toe shell 603 around the axis A of rotation is prevented by the stop 611 striking the counterpart 613, i.e. the toe shell 603 can no longer continue to dip into the coupling part 601, by further lifting of the heel region of the outer shell 602 the instep shell 604 is pivoted around the axis A of rotation relative to the toe shell 603. In this connection the elastic region 606 which connects the toe shell 603 to the instep shell 604 above the foot is deformed and compressed, while the bellows 630 is stretched accordingly underneath the foot.

In this case the two phases of the walking motion can also occur superimposed or in another sequence and are shown as phases following one another in time only for better illustration.

It goes without saying that other embodiments of a ski boot as claimed in the invention besides the one described above are also possible. For example it should be noted in this connection that the locking lever on the coupling part can have a coupling means for coupling to the outer shell which does not, as described above, encompass a hook-shaped projection, but for example has a quarter-turn closure, a buckle or a screw closure with the counterparts complementary to it on the outer shell of the ski boot. Likewise these closures can also be made on the outer shell, the counterparts then being formed on the coupling part.

It is furthermore conceivable for the damping device on the locking lever to have a spring which is coupled to the pivoting axis of the locking lever, not as described above. Damping can also be achieved by for example the coupling means on the locking lever or its counterparts being formed entirely or partially elastically on the locking lever. For example, recesses on the outer shell which are engaged by the coupling means of the locking lever can be lined with elastic plastic, by which damped coupling of the outer shell with the locking lever is achieved. In this connection it is conceivable that of the two adjacent recesses, one is elastically lined and the other is not. The coupling means on the locking lever can be placed for example by pivoting the locking lever out of one recess in the other recess, for example with the result that in the same pivoting motion of the outer shell relative to the coupling part on the one hand a damped ski boot position and on the other an undamped position are present.

Furthermore, it should also be emphasized that the geometrical axis F of pivoting of the kink region in other embodiments need not be parallel to the axis A of rotation either. The geometrical axis F of rotation in this connection may be made for example not perpendicular to the plane E of the ski boot and aligned such that it lies parallel to a line which is formed by the toe extensions in the region of the ball of the foot. Thus a further improvement of comfort when executing a walking motion can be achieved.

Furthermore, flexibility of the outer shell can be achieved in some other way than by the above described kink region in conjunction with an elastic section between the toe shell and the instep shell. It is for example conceivable that the kink region is attained by a hinge-like or other articulated connection. Furthermore one or more elastic regions can of course also be formed by bellows which connect the edges of the outer shell parts to one another. In this regard also larger regions of the outer shell than in the preceding descriptions can be made elastic. In one embodiment of the ski boot for example in which execution of walking motion is achieved solely by the flexibility of the outer shell, it is for example conceivable that there is no rigid toe shell and the entire forward region of the outer shell is made elastic. Likewise it is also conceivable for the instep shell or the toe shell themselves for example to comprise several shell parts which in turn are connected to one another by elastic regions.

In other embodiments, the transition from rotary motion to bending motion can be achieved as is described above and by stops on the outer shell and counterstops on the coupling part, also differently. It is for example conceivable for the connection of the outer shell to the coupling part to be made such that during walking motion the forces which the foot applies to the outer shell act such that the transition from rotary motion into bending motion is initiated without limitation of the rotary motion by any means on the ski boot. This can be achieved for example by the special location of the geometrical axis of rotation of the rotary motion.

Altogether it should be emphasized that the connection between the coupling part and the outer shell can be achieved by any combination of the above described types of connection or their components.

In summary it can be established that the invention devises a boot for a binding which is suited for alpine skiing, ski touring, cross-country skiing, telemark skiing and also for other snow sliding sports, the boot having greater comfort in wearing and moving and moreover multifunctional components making it possible for the overall equipment with which the snow sportsman is burdened to have low weight. 

1. Boot for a binding, especially a ski boot, with an outer shell (120, 252) for accommodating and holding the foot and with a coupling part (101, 251) attached to the outer shell (120, 252) for fastening the boot (100, 250) in a binding (200) so that the boot (100, 250) in the boot tip area (111) and in the boot heel area (112) can be held by the binding (200) on the coupling part (101, 251) and the coupling part (101, 251) has a connection to the outer shell (120, 252) such that the outer shell (120, 252) in executing a walking motion can be lifted off the coupling part (101, 251) in the heel area (125, 307) and can be lowered again onto it, while the coupling part (101, 251) is fastened in the binding (200), and the outer shell (120, 252) can be pivoted around a geometrical axis (A) transversely to the lengthwise direction of the boot, characterized in that the geometrical axis (A) of rotation is arranged set back from the front tip of the outer shell (120, 252), that a front (116, 425) and a rear component space (117, 426) are defined by the lengthwise position of the geometrical axis (A) of rotation in the interior (423) for holding the foot in the outer shell (120, 252), and when the heel area (125, 307) is raised off the coupling part (101, 251) in a rotation phase of the walking motion at least partial dipping of the front component space (116) of the outer shell (120, 252) into the interior (118, 121) of the coupling part (101, 251) takes place.
 2. Boot as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling part (101, 304) is made frame-shaped and the cutout (121) of the coupling part (101, 304), which cutout is surrounded in the manner of a frame, forms the interior (118, 121), the outer shell (120, 305) being located at least partially in the interior (118) of the coupling part (101, 304) and being surrounded on the two sides by the coupling part (101, 304) in the manner of a frame.
 3. Boot as claimed in one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the geometrical axis (A) of rotation is located above the bottom (114) of the outer shell (120) at the height of joint of the ball of the foot held in the boot.
 4. Boot as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein regions of the front component space (116, 425) which with the heel region of the outer shell (305, 402, 502, 602) lowered are at the same height with the axis (A) of rotation above the bottom of the boot are pivoted nearer to the bottom of the boot when dipping.
 5. Boot as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the connection of the outer shell (305, 402, 502, 602) to the coupling part (304, 401, 501, 601) is made such that in the bending phase of the walking motion the outer shell (305, 402, 502, 602) is deformed in at least one elastic region (406, 506, 606).
 6. Boot as claimed in claim 5, wherein when the heel region is raised off the coupling part (304, 401, 501, 601) first the rotation phase and thereupon the bending phase follow.
 7. Boot as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connection of the outer shell (502) to the coupling part (501) is made such that in addition to the rotary motion around the first geometrical axis (A) of rotation there is further rotary motion around the second geometrical axis (G) of rotation, the second axis (G) of rotation being spaced apart from the first axis (A) of rotation.
 8. Boot as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, wherein on the boot (100, 250, 300) there is a locking device (132, 133, 285, 318, 322) which enables locking of the outer shell (120, 252, 305) relative to the coupling part (101, 251, 304) in the skiing down position in which the heel region (125, 307) of the outer shell (120, 252, 305) is lowered completely onto the coupling part (101, 251, 304) and is securely connected to it.
 9. Boot as claimed in claim 8, wherein the locking device enables locking of the outer shell in other positions relative to the coupling part, the other positions differing by the distance of the heel region of the outer shell from the coupling part.
 10. Boot as claimed in one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the locking device (132, 133, 285, 318, 322) is located in the heel area (112) of the boot (100, 250, 300).
 11. Boot as claimed in one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the locking device (132, 133, 318, 322) has a pivoting lever (130, 301) which is coupled to the coupling part (101, 251, 304) of the boot (100, 250, 300).
 12. Boot as claimed in one of claims 8 to 11, wherein there is a damping device on the boot which in at least one of the locking positions enables elastically damped pivoting of the heel region of the outer shell relative to the coupling part, elastically damped pivoting taking place around the damped locking position.
 13. Boot as claimed in claim 12, wherein the damping device is active in the locked position in which the heel region of the outer shell is lowered completely onto the coupling part, especially in the skiing down position.
 14. Boot as claimed in one of claims 12 to 13, wherein there is a damping device on the coupling part.
 15. Boot as claimed in one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the damping device is integrated in the locking device.
 16. Boot as claimed in one of claims 1 to 15, wherein on the boot (250, 300, 349) there is a support lever (262, 301) which has preferably two or more supports (264, 314, 315, 316) for the outer shell (252, 305) which form a climbing aid, which can be pivoted into the path of motion of the unlocked outer shell (252, 305) and which limit the lowering motion of the heel region (125, 307) of the outer shell (252, 305) in the direction of the coupling part (251, 304) by supporting the outer shell (252, 305).
 17. Boot as claimed in claim 16, wherein the support lever (262, 301) is coupled to the coupling part (251, 304, 350).
 18. Boot as claimed in one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the outer shell (120, 252) comprises a foot shell (104, 277) and the shell (123, 276) of the upper so that the foot held in the outer shell (120, 252) is located essentially in the foot shell (104, 277) and the shell (123, 276) of the upper in this respect essentially surrounds part of the calf, and the shell (123, 276) of the upper is pivotally connected to the foot shell (104, 277) in the ankle region.
 19. Boot as claimed in claim 18, wherein there is a fixing device which enables fixing of the shell of the upper relative to the foot shell.
 20. Boot as claimed in one of claims 8 to 11 with claim 19, wherein the fixing device is integrated into the locking device.
 21. Boot as claimed in one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the boot (100, 250) has a tread (138, 256) which in the front end region and in the back end region has one convexly arched section (109, 110, 259, 260) each.
 22. Boot as claimed in one of claims 21 [sic], wherein the tread (100, 250) has sections (141, 142) which are made on the outer shell (120), and sections (109, 110, 259, 260, 354) which are made on the coupling part (101, 251, 304), and sections (109, 110, 141, 142, 259, 260, 354) together form the tread (138, 256).
 23. Boot as claimed in one of claims 21 or 22, wherein the convex sections (109, 110, 259, 260) are made essentially on the coupling part (101, 251, 304).
 24. System composed of a boot and a binding comprising a boot (100, 250) as claimed in claim 20 to 23 and a binding which for holding the boot (1 00, 250) has a toe piece (201) made in the area of the tip of the boot and a heel piece (202, 330) made for holding the boot (100, 250) in the region of the heel (112) of the boot, the heel piece (202, 330) having an open position in which the boot (100, 250) can be placed in the binding (200) or can be taken out of the binding (200), and the binding (200) has a closed position in which the binding (200) is located when the boot (100, 250) is held in the binding (200), the toe piece (201) and the heel piece (202, 330) each having a support surface (205, 206) and the support surfaces (205, 206) each being made complementary to the corresponding tread sections (109, 110, 141, 142, 259, 260) of the boot (100, 250), especially the support surfaces (205, 206) being concavely arched so that when the boot (100, 250) is held in the binding (200) the front tread section (109, 141, 259) of the boot (100, 250) rests on the support surface (205) of the toe piece (201) and the rear tread section of the boot (100, 142, 250) rests on the support surface (206) of the heel piece (202, 330). 